"Shaking his body more...": Harbhajan Singh trolls Rahul Tripathi, tells MS Dhoni to drop him

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has raised concerns about Chennai Super Kings opener Rahul Tripathi's batting stance, pointing out that the batter appears too shaky at the crease. Rahul Tripathi was snapped up by Chennai Super Kings for a hefty INR 3.40 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction, but he has had a disappointing start to the ongoing season.

Tripathi was given the crucial role of opening the innings while the CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad demoted himself to number three in the ongoing IPL 2025. However, Tripathi badly failed to make an impact, as he registered dismal single-digit scores of 2 and 5 in the first two matches.

Harbhajan Singh criticizes CSK's opening gamble with Rahul Tripathi in IPL 2025

However, the right-handed batter showed a glimpse of resistance in the third match against the Rajasthan Royals, managing to score 23 runs off 19 balls, but it was not enough, and the Chennai Super Kings ended up losing the IPL 2025 clash by six runs in Guwahati on Sunday.

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After CSK’s second straight defeat in the ongoing season, Harbhajan Singh has opined that Tripathi’s excessive movement at the crease is affecting his balance and timing. He feels Rahul’s current form doesn’t justify his place in the XI and stressed that the Chennai team needs to rethink their opening combination to bounce back in the tournament after back-to-back defeats.

I'm crystal clear that Rahul Tripathi should not be picked in the XI: Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh said on his YouTube channel, “Chennai lost back-to-back matches. They are making too many mistakes. First, they are playing Rahul Rahul Tripathi as an opener. Tripathi is shaking his body more but not scoring runs.

Sorry, Tripathi is a very good player, very hard-working, but I am crystal clear that he should not be picked in the XI. If you are shaking too much while batting, then when will you see the ball? - Runs are not coming, and the intent is also not visible at the moment from him.”

Harbhajan Singh demands Ruturaj Gaikwad's return to the top

The commentator also criticized CSK’s move to promote Tripathi over Gaikwad. He believes that Gaikwad is a natural opener and should not bat at number three ahead of their next IPL 2025 clash against Delhi Capitals on April 5 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

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Harbhajan added, “Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is a proper opener, has sacrificed himself at number 3 for Tripathi. The opening pair has always been a big strength for Chennai Super Kings, be it Matthew Hayden, Dwayne Smith, Brendon McCullum, or even Devon Conway.”

Harbhajan Singh urges CSK to drop Rahul Tripathi for Devon Conway

The former CSK spinner suggested the team management bring Devon Conway into the XI and drop Tripathi. He feels Conway deserves a spot to help CSK make a comeback in the ongoing season. With the fresh setback, Chennai slipped to the seventh spot in the points table with only 2 points.

Harbhajan signed off by saying, “Conway is also in the team, but he is not getting the chance in the XI. They have been clueless so far while picking the XI. I don't think Tripathi should get a place in the XI, but Conway definitely does.”