Ambati Rayudu speaks for the 1st time after CSK's loss to RCB in IPL 2025

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Ambati Rayudu criticized the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led team’s middle order following their heavy defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Rayudu also questioned the legendary MS Dhoni’s batting position in the eighth match of the IPL 2025 season.

Chasing a challenging target of 197, Chennai Super Kings suffered early setbacks at Chepauk on Friday, March 28. Josh Hazlewood delivered crucial blows, making it tougher for the home team during the middle overs. CSK also struggled to score against RCB spinners Liam Livingstone and Suyash Sharma.

Cannot have MS Dhoni So Low in the Order - Ambati Rayudu

Speaking on the broadcast after the game, Ambati Rayudu shared his concerns about CSK's batting order. He said that Ruturaj Gaikwad should open the innings, while Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni must bat higher in the order. Ambati Rayudu added that they will need to make adjustments to improve their performance.

"I am not so convinced about the middle order that CSK possesses right now. To play good quality bowling, you need your best batsmen to bat at those numbers," Ambati Rayudu said after the match.

"Ruturaj has to open, and also, you need to get Ravindra Jadeja slightly up. And also, you cannot have MS Dhoni so low in the order. CSK have their task cut out, they are not playing well against spin also, and it does not look great," Ambati Rayudu added.

They promoted Sam Curran ahead of Shivam Dube, who is known for his ability to dominate spin. However, the move did not pay off, as Curran struggled to find his rhythm against the slower deliveries. He played just 13 balls and scored only 8 runs before he was dismissed.

MS Dhoni's Batting at No. 9 Draws Criticism from Fans and Experts

MS Dhoni has predominantly played as a finisher in recent years, usually coming to the crease between No. 5 and No. 7, and occasionally as low as No. 8. The Chepauk crowd eagerly awaited his arrival, but all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin batted ahead of him in the recent match.

Dhoni walked in to bat in the 16th over after Ashwin was dismissed by Liam Livingstone. The veteran scored an unbeaten 30 off 16 balls, including several boundaries in the final over against Krunal Pandya. However, CSK fell 50 runs short of the target and registered their first defeat of the season

Chennai Super Kings Move to Seventh Place in 10-Team Table

Royal Challengers Bengaluru ended their 17-year winless streak at Chepauk. This victory was RCB’s second consecutive win in IPL 2025. Meanwhile, CSK suffered their first defeat of the season after winning their previous game at the same venue against Mumbai Indians (MI).

RCB climbed back to the top of the IPL 2025 points table, with four points and an impressive Net Run Rate (NRR) of +2.137. CSK are in fourth place with two points and an NRR of -1.013. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led team will lock horns with the Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on March 30.

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