Michael Clarke and Piyush Chawla analyse CSK’s flaws, provide solutions, -‘They should throw it all on the line’

After Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lost their home game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday, April 11, Michael Clarke questioned the team’s strategy. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), CSK lost five straight games for the first time. They have never lost three straight games at Chepauk in a season before. On the points chart, the five-time champions are mired at number nine, while Sunrisers Hyderabad, who are in last position, have the same number of points with one game remaining.

Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and chose to field first, leaving the Chennai batsmen at sixes and sevens against the KKR bowlers. The bowlers already had some assistance, and Sunil Narine and company’s job was made simpler by CSK’s lack of intention. The hosts’ lowest score at Chepauk, 103/9, was the limit. With eight wickets and 9.5 overs remaining, KKR easily defeated the goal. In terms of the number of balls left, this proved to be Chennai’s largest losing margin.

In the upcoming games, Clarke recommended that the Men in Yellow abandon their cautious strategy and aim for the jugular.

The former Australia captain did, however, add that CSK’s confidence has suffered and that they will have a difficult time recovering.

Wicket appeared to be quite difficult to bat against. With the new ball, there was definitely some spin and some movement. The Chennai Super Kings, in my opinion, miscalculated their strategy. It’s obvious from the way they approached it that they lack confidence.

And their intention—well, they didn’t have any. Right now, it appears to be a fairly conservative strategy—just aiming to win or avoid a significant loss. Rather, they ought to risk everything, put everything on the line, and attempt to win the game. It is easier said than done to make that kind of transformation. Similar to how a positive, self-assured attitude may spread throughout a winning dressing room, the same is true when you’re losing. Clarke stated via Match Centre Live on JioHotstar, “That losing feeling lingers and it’s hard to get rid of sometimes.”

Enough of Deepak Hooda and Rahul Tripathi: Chawla Piyush

As seasoned players like Rahul Tripathi and Deepak Hooda have struggled despite having plenty of opportunities so far, former CSK leg-spinner Piyush Chawla advised the MS Dhoni-led team to add young players like C Andre Siddarth.

“I believe the Chennai Super Kings should look about adding young players at this point. A capable middle-order hitter like Andre Siddarth ought to be given an opportunity. You’ve had enough of Deepak Hooda and Rahul Tripathi. Why not offer these young athletes a chance to demonstrate their abilities? Someone new could show up, get a few runs, and give the squad (and themselves) more confidence. Chawla suggested that they make a few minor adjustments to bring things up to date, but not a complete overhaul.