“Sometimes I Feel…”: Dale Steyn Mocks CSK’s Baffling Batting Choices In The IPL 2025 Game Against RR

In a season already laden with unpredictability and tactical experimentation, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) found themselves once again at the centre of heated debate. This time, the spotlight fell on their perplexing batting order decisions during a crucial IPL 2025 encounter against Rajasthan Royals (RR). The bold—and some would say bewildering—move to promote two of their frontline bowlers, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, up the batting order during a collapse sparked not just confusion among fans but also a rare public rebuke from one of cricket’s most revered pacers, Dale Steyn.

A Season of Trials and Errors for CSK

CSK’s 2025 campaign has been far from the dominant display their loyal supporters have come to expect. The franchise, synonymous with consistent success and tactical brilliance, has found itself grappling with a string of losses, player form issues, and a seemingly never-ending cycle of experimentation. While the iconic MS Dhoni’s leadership continues to inspire, the on-field results suggest a team in transition, searching for the right formula to reclaim its former glory.

The clash against RR was a microcosm of these struggles. Having been put into bat on a pitch that appeared conducive to stroke play, CSK’s innings quickly unraveled. The early loss of two key batsmen—Devon Conway and Urvil Patel—left the team in a precarious 12/2 situation after just two overs. Faced with a mounting crisis, the team management’s response was unconventional to say the least: rather than sending in one of their explosive finishers or a specialist batsman, they turned to Ashwin and Jadeja, two bowlers whose primary value lies with the ball rather than the bat.

Dale Steyn’s Public Rebuke: “Sometimes I Feel Their Math Is Not Mathing”

The cricketing fraternity was quick to notice this unusual move, but none expressed their bewilderment as succinctly as Dale Steyn. The South African fast bowling legend took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), posting a biting commentary that quickly went viral:

“CSK 3 down and they send 2 bowlers to bat. Sometimes I feel their math is not mathing.”

Steyn’s sarcastic remark captured the mood of fans and analysts alike. Why would a team struggling to stabilize its innings opt to promote two players known more for their bowling skills rather than their batting prowess? Was it a calculated experiment or a sign of desperation?

The Batting Order Decision Under the Microscope

Ravichandran Ashwin’s promotion to the number four spot was noteworthy not just because of the circumstances but also because it was only the third time in his IPL career he had batted this high. Ashwin, a seasoned all-rounder with a reputation for steady, if unspectacular, batting, responded with a brisk 13 runs off 8 balls. He also stitched together a valuable 56-run partnership with the young and aggressive Ayush Mhatre, who scored a blazing 43 off 20 deliveries. This partnership briefly steadied the ship and gave CSK fans a flicker of hope.

However, the gamble faltered soon after. Ravindra Jadeja, promoted to number five, failed to make an impact, falling cheaply for just 1 run. His dismissal exposed the fragility of CSK’s middle order. Meanwhile, two in-form finishers, Dewald Brevis and Shivam Dube, were left waiting on the sidelines, watching as the innings slipped away. Brevis managed a quick 42 off 25 balls and Dube contributed 39 off 32, but the damage had been done. The momentum was lost, and the team’s scoring rate slowed dramatically. CSK could muster only 17 runs in the final three overs, finishing at a below-par 187/8—a target that RR chased down comfortably.

A Pattern of Top-Order Woes

This episode was not an isolated case but rather symptomatic of deeper structural issues in CSK’s batting lineup. The franchise has seen its top five wickets fall for under 100 runs in four of their last six matches. Such a pattern of early collapses and ineffective middle-order rescue acts has been the hallmark of a side struggling to find consistency and rhythm.

Young talents like Ayush Mhatre have shown glimpses of brilliance, but without a reliable foundation at the top, those flashes remain just that—brief moments of promise. The lack of a coherent batting strategy and the frequent reshuffling of the order have created an environment of uncertainty, making it harder for players to settle and express themselves confidently.

The Bigger Picture: Experimentation vs. Stability

CSK captain MS Dhoni addressed the team’s approach candidly after the match, acknowledging that the franchise was in an “experimental mode.” With playoffs hopes now all but dashed, the management has prioritized building a team for the future over immediate results. This has included trialing younger players in unfamiliar roles and testing various batting combinations.

While such an approach can be justified in a rebuilding phase, it comes with inherent risks. Critics argue that experimenting in the middle of a competitive season—especially in high-stakes matches—can undermine player confidence and team morale. When proven finishers like Brevis and Dube are held back in favour of bowling all-rounders out of position, the message to the team can become confusing.

Lessons from the Past: CSK’s Legacy of Smart Decision-Making

Chennai Super Kings have long been celebrated for their astute decision-making and tactical acumen. The franchise’s five IPL titles attest to a system where player roles are clearly defined, and match situations are expertly managed. From Dhoni’s calm leadership to the backing of experienced specialists, CSK has often thrived on balance and stability.

This season, however, has seen that balance disrupted. The pressures of an evolving squad and the need to phase in fresh talent are undeniable. But the challenge lies in ensuring that experimentation does not come at the expense of clarity and competitiveness.

What’s Next for CSK?

The road ahead for Chennai Super Kings is challenging but not insurmountable. As they approach the final stretch of the IPL 2025, the team must reflect on the lessons learned from their mistakes. Finding a stable batting order that optimizes the strengths of both experienced campaigners and emerging stars will be crucial.

For Ashwin and Jadeja, their roles as batting contributors remain important, but the question is whether promoting them in critical phases is the best strategy. The presence of dynamic finishers like Brevis and Dube must be better integrated into the batting lineup, ensuring that the team maintains firepower without sacrificing stability.

On the bowling front, CSK continues to boast a formidable attack, but without runs on the board, even the best bowlers struggle to defend totals. Hence, improving the batting approach will be key to reviving the franchise’s fortunes.

Fan and Expert Reactions: Mixed Feelings and Heated Debates

The CSK fanbase has been a rollercoaster of emotions this season. The frustration of seeing the team falter contrasts sharply with the hope inspired by young talents. Social media platforms have been buzzing with debates, with some supporters sympathizing with Dhoni’s experimental strategy, while others echo Steyn’s sentiment, calling for more pragmatic decisions.

Cricket experts too are divided. Some see merit in giving players like Ashwin and Jadeja the opportunity to bat higher and develop their all-round game, especially in a rebuilding year. Others stress that such moves must be contextual and avoid jeopardizing match outcomes unnecessarily.

The Bigger IPL Context: Transition Phases for Established Franchises

CSK’s current struggles highlight a broader theme in IPL 2025: even the most successful teams face cycles of transition and rebuilding. With the emergence of fresh talent across franchises and evolving tactics, maintaining dominance requires adaptability and patience.

Teams like Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore have also seen their share of experimentation, signalling a dynamic and competitive tournament landscape. For CSK, the 2025 season may well be a pivotal chapter—a test of their ability to evolve while preserving the core strengths that have defined their identity.

Balancing Legacy with Renewal

Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2025 campaign has been a mix of frustration, flashes of brilliance, and strategic puzzles. The decision to promote Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja up the order against Rajasthan Royals sparked justified debate and highlighted the challenges of navigating a rebuilding phase in a fiercely competitive tournament.

Dale Steyn’s pointed critique was more than just a quip; it encapsulated the concerns of fans and pundits alike. For CSK, the challenge now is to find a harmonious balance between experimentation and stability, ensuring that their storied legacy paves the way for a brighter future.

As the IPL 2025 season progresses, all eyes will remain on Chennai Super Kings—watching to see if this cricketing giant can rediscover its mojo and once again become the formidable force that fans around the world have come to love and respect.

Please check for information on the best betting sites in India – https://selectory.org/best-betting-sites/