During the toss against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni enjoyed a humorous exchange with former Indian cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri. After winning the toss and choosing to bowl at the packed M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Shastri inquired if CSK had any strategies to counter RCB’s aggressive batting during the powerplay. Dhoni cleverly replied, keeping his plans close to his chest as the high-stakes match approached.
“Let it be plans, Ravi bhai,” Dhoni remarked during the toss.
As the match unfolded, RCB’s openers showcased their attacking batting style. Jacob Bethell, playing in only his second IPL match, scored a half-century, hitting 55 off 33 balls. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli was even more explosive, making 62 runs off just 33 deliveries.
CSK struggled to contain RCB’s batting onslaught during the powerplay, with Kohli and Bethell amassing 71 runs in that crucial phase. CSK bowlers Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj faced severe punishment from both Salt and Bethell.
“We want to maximize the last four games we have. We need to think about next year and determine which players will fit into specific roles. Yes, we aim to win, but making the most of these four matches is key,” Dhoni stated while speaking to Shastri at the toss.
This season, CSK has faced what many consider their worst IPL performance in 2025, heading into the match against RCB with only two wins out of ten matches. The team’s struggles have led to Dhoni stepping in as captain midway through the tournament after regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was sidelined due to an elbow injury.
Disappointingly, the batting lineup has not lived up to expectations, with seasoned players like Rahul Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, Deepak Hooda, and even stalwarts like Ravindra Jadeja failing to deliver consistent performances.
However, new arrivals Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis have shown flashes of promise with the bat, potentially indicating a shift in CSK’s approach. They are expected to be retained and play significant roles in future seasons.
On the bowling side, Noor Ahmad and Khaleel Ahmed have stood out, each taking over 12 wickets this season. Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin, who was acquired for Rs 9.75 crore, may face release from the franchise due to underwhelming performances.
