Matthew Hayden wants CSK to hit rock bottom in IPL 2025

Legendary Australia opener Matthew Hayden was asked a tricky question ahead of Chennai Super Kings' highly anticipated clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 28. The match will be played at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.

Hayden was asked if he would prefer Australia losing the Ashes or CSK finishing last in the IPL 2025 points table. It is to be noted that Matthew Hayden is a diehard CSK supporter even after retiring from the game a few years ago.

Watch- Ambati Rayudu mocks RCB’s trophy drought, claims they're good for entertainment

Matthew Hayden gives an honest opinion on Australia and CSK

While speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Matthew Hayden was questioned if he would prefer CSK winning IPL 2025 but Australia losing the Ashes series or Australia winning the Ashes but CSK finishing last in the points table.

While he termed it a horrible question, he continued to support his country Australia as he doesn't want them to lose to England. Hayden picked the second option as he wants Australia to win the Ashes even if it means that CSK finishes last in the points table.

Matthew Hayden played for CSK from 2008 to 2010. He played 32 matches in his IPL career, all for CSK, and scored 1107 runs at an average of 36.90 and a strike rate of 137.52.

Matthew Hayden struck 8 fifties during his IPL career and played a key role in CSK's title-winning run in 2010 and the run to the final in 2008. The hard-hitting opener has played the role of a commentator and a cricket expert since that point.

CSK's brilliant start to IPL 2025

CSK started their IPL 2025 campaign with a win over arch-rivals Mumbai Indians at Chennai. Mumbai Indians batted first and scored 155-9 in 20 overs on the back of contributions from Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Deepak Chahar.

CSK's new recruit Noor Ahmad produced a fine bowling performance and finished with 4-18 while left-arm quick Khaleel Ahmed picked up 3-29. In reply, CSK started briskly as skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad launched an all-out attack.

However, MI's new recruit Vignesh Puthur brought his side back into the game with fine bowling figures of 3-32 on debut. But Rachin Ravindra stayed till the end to finish off the game for his team.

CSK will next face Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 28. RCB has a poor record against CSK at Chennai as they last won a game here back in 2008.

Schedule for the Ashes 2025-26

The Ashes will be played from Novemner 21, 2025. The first match of the series will be player be played at Perth. The second match a Brisbane will be played on December 4, which will also be a pink-ball game.

Adelaide will host the third Ashes Test from December 17. The Boxing Day Test will be played in Melbourne as per the old tradition while Sydney will host the fifth Test from January 4.

Australia have not lost an Ashes series to England since 2015. Their last Ashes defeat on Australian soil came way back in 2010-11 when England won the series 3-1 and created history.