"I Don’t See Them Bouncing Back This Season" – Ambati Rayudu on CSK’s Struggles

Former CSK batter Ambati Rayudu has raised concerns about his former team’s disappointing performance this season, stating he doesn’t foresee a comeback for them. 

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has had a tough season, winning only 2 out of the 8 matches they have played. The five-time champions, known for their strong home performances, have struggled significantly, with only 1 win and 3 defeats at home. This poor run is surprising considering their legacy as champions.

CSK has lost 5 consecutive matches, marking the first time this has happened in the team's history, which has been very upsetting for their fans recently. 

When asked about the possibility of a comeback for the Chennai Super Kings, Ambati Rayudu was straightforward, stating he doesn’t see them bouncing back this season. He referenced MS Dhoni’s comments about the team’s future, indicating they are looking ahead to the next season to improve by developing young players and forming a solid playing XI. 

"I don't see them coming back this season. Even Dhoni acknowledged that in his post-match comments, noting that they're already looking ahead to next season. They will want to groom young players and build a culture of fearless, not reckless cricket. They need to play with more positive intent," Rayudu commented.

Regarding CSK’s recent loss to the Mumbai Indians, Rayudu highlighted the lackluster performance of the middle order during crucial overs, stating that their intent less batting has been a recurring issue throughout the season.

"It was those middle overs—around seven overs for just 35 runs—that cost them. No one plays like that anymore in T20 cricket. The game has evolved, and even during the middle overs, teams need to maintain a healthy strike rate. CSK lacked intent. You can lose a game, but you have to fight. You can't just coast through a phase and hope to finish strong later."

CSK Face SRH Next

Chennai Super Kings still have a chance for qualification. If they win their remaining 6 matches, they could achieve 16 points in the IPL 2025 points table, which might be enough to sneak into the playoffs. Next up, they face Sunrisers Hyderabad at Chepauk on Friday; this clash of the bottom dwellers will determine the fate of both teams’ playoff qualifications.