"CSK, I don't like your...": Aakash Chopra makes brutal confession

Former India opener Aakash Chopra was severe in his assessment of CSK's below-par performance against Rajasthan Royals at Guwahati. He lashed out at the Super Kings batting line-up for their continued poor show in the season.

Aakash Chopra also questioned the need to bring in Jamie Overton in place of Sam Curran and feels that it wasn't needed at all. Overton didn't face many balls to make an impact with the bat and also conceded 30 runs in just two overs that he bowled.

He also dropped a sitter while fielding to give a new life to RR's Shimron Hetmyer when he was on 3. He went on to score 19 off 16 balls later.

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Also read: Sanju Samson leaves Rajasthan Royals just after their first win in IPL 2025

Aakash Chopra questions CSK's Playing XI against RR

While speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra questioned the decision of CSK's team management to make changes in the Playing XI. He wasn't particularly pleased with Jamie Overton replacing Sam Curran.

"CSK, I do not like your playing XI one bit. You are making changes, but change is not necessarily progress. You dropped Sam Curran and played Jamie Overton, but you got Overton to bowl only two overs. The truth is that you need to address the problem in your batting. It is not getting addressed. It once again came to the fore," reckoned Chopra.

The cricketer-turned-commentator shed light on CSK's bowling line-up and questioned Overton's performance. He feels that the rest of the bowlers were good enough but Overton's spell made the difference.

"Noor Ahmad was amongst the wickets again. (Matheesha) Pathirana was outstanding. Khaleel (Ahmed) was very, very good, but Overton conceded 30 runs in his two overs. Why are you playing Overton? You shouldn't play him," he added.

Aakash Chopra on CSK's dismal batting

Aakash Chopra also reflected on CSK's dismal batting performance as they failed to chase down the target. He praised Ruturaj Gaikwad for playing a captain's innings but felt that Jadeja's runs came too slowly and it affected the required run rate.

"Ruturaj Gaikwad played a captain's knock at No. 3. He hit a six and the ball went out. There was a slight delay and he got out to the first ball after that. That really dealt them a serious blow. Ravindra Jadeja scored runs but was going much slower than what was required," he observed.

Ruturaj Gaikwad scored a fine 63 off 44 balls but was dismissed by Wanindu Hasaranga as he tried to repeat his previous shot towards midwicket and was caught at long-on. In the previous ball, he had smashed a big slog sweep towards midwicket but couldn't carry on.

After Gaikwad was dismissed, the onus came upon Jadeja and Dhoni to finish off the game. But Dhoni got out in the last over and Ravindra Jadeja was unable to take his team past the finish line.

CSK in early trouble

The five-time defending champions Chennai Super Kings have now lost two matches in a row after winning their first game of the season. They face an uphill task to return to winning ways with a batting line-up that looks out of form at the moment.

They have plenty of experience in their squad and will hope to produce their best performance as soon as possible. CSK will now face Delhi Capitals on April 5 at Chennai.