“Questions raised on CSK’s strategy, Shane Watson told Dhoni and Gaikwad decisions shocking”

In IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lost by 50 runs against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). In this match played at Chepock Stadium, RCB scored 196/7, in response to which Chennai team reached 146/8 only.

Watson raised questions on CSK’s strategy

Former Australian veteran all -rounder Shane Watson has questioned the CSK strategy for this defeat. Watson, who has been a part of CSK himself in the IPL, was shocked by two decisions of the team. He expressed concern about MS Dhoni’s batting order and captain Rituraj Gaikwad’s batting position.

Dhoni should have been sent up – Watson

In this match, MS Dhoni landed at number 9 to bat and scored an unbeaten 30 in 16 balls, including three fours and two sixes. By that time it was too late. Watson believes that Dhoni should have come up in batting order.

“CSK fans want to see Dhoni batting. He scored 30 runs in 16 balls, which was fantastic. But he should have come up further. He could batting before R Ashwin. If he got 15 more balls, he could change the attitude of the match.” – Watson

Gaekwad should open again

Rituraj Gaikwad is batting on One Down (number three) in the current season, so that Watson is not happy. He said that Gaikwad should open again.

“Rituraj Gaikwad is a great opener, but he is batting down this season. The shots he played against Hazlewood does not usually play. He should send him to the opening again.” – Watson

Questions raised on team combination

Watson also expressed concern about CSK’s batting order and playing XI.

• Objectioned to the opening of Rahul Tripathi.

• The wrong decision was described as a wrong decision to send Sam Karan to number five.

• Chennai’s team combination is still unbalanced and stated the need for change in it.

“CSK’s team combination does not seem right. Some decisions are shocking. They have to reconcile in batting order, otherwise it may be heavy to them.” – Watson