IPL 2025: “Out of Steam and Out of Playoffs: Varun Aaron Blames CSK’s Auction Mistakes”

Former India pacer says CSK’s poor IPL 2025 form has hurt both their bowling attack and batting momentum; urges team to re-evaluate auction strategy.

New Delhi, May 2:
Former India fast bowler Varun Aaron believes Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) disastrous form in the ongoing IPL 2025 season has derailed the team’s overall momentum, especially affecting the bowling unit.

Speaking on Match Centre Live on JioHotstar, Aaron pointed out that Matheesha Pathirana, once CSK’s key death bowler, has failed to live up to expectations this season.

“CSK really depended on Pathirana to get them wickets at the back end and defend totals, but he’s been completely off the boil. He’s changed his action a bit, isn’t landing his yorkers, and has bowled 31 extras — that’s a lot for a frontline bowler,” Aaron said.

CSK, who are now officially out of playoff contention after a four-wicket loss to Punjab Kings (PBKS), have recorded their worst-ever home season at Chepauk, suffering five defeats at the venue in a single edition.

Aaron further pointed out the lack of intensity in CSK’s middle-order batting, highlighting that the team has heavily relied on veteran MS Dhoni for finishing duties.

“They’ve lacked impetus in the middle overs. Brevis has added some spark since his inclusion, but that firepower was missing before. CSK need to assess what went wrong at the auction. They don’t have explosive finishers like Tristan Stubbs or Tim David. MS is there, but you can’t depend on him for 18 years,” he added.

After the defeat, PBKS climbed to third place with 13 points (six wins, three losses), while CSK languish at the bottom of the table with just four points from ten matches.

As CSK look to regroup for the remainder of the season, Aaron’s remarks underline the urgent need for structural and strategic rethinking heading into future editions.