IPL 2025: “Sort Out the Bowling!” – Srikkanth Slams CSK After Fourth Straight Loss to Punjab

Ex-India Skipper Calls Out CSK’s Fielding Woes and Urges Team to Cap Opposition Below 180 to Stay Competitive

New Delhi, April 9: Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has come down hard on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) following their fourth consecutive defeat in IPL 2025 — a disappointing 18-run loss to Punjab Kings on Tuesday. The veteran cricketer didn’t hold back as he criticized CSK’s shoddy fielding and ineffective bowling, which allowed Punjab to recover from 83/5 to post a mammoth 219/6.

“When you give over 130 runs from 83/5 to 219/6 and keep dropping catches, you’re never going to be in a winning position, however hard you try and chase!” Srikkanth posted on X.

CSK’s latest loss highlighted a recurring issue: their inability to chase down totals above 180, something they haven’t successfully done since 2018. Punjab took full advantage of multiple dropped chances, with young sensation Priyansh Arya capitalizing on the lapses to hammer a breathtaking 39-ball century.

Arya was first dropped on 6 by Khaleel Ahmed off his own bowling. Later, Mukesh Choudhary spilled another sitter at long-off when Arya was on 73. If that wasn’t enough, Shashank Singh too was handed a lifeline when Ravindra Jadeja dropped a straightforward catch at deep midwicket in the 17th over — a moment that turned the tide in Punjab’s favor.

In reply, CSK began well with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra adding 61 in the powerplay — the first such opening stand for CSK this season. But the momentum faded quickly as wickets tumbled. Rachin fell for 36, Ruturaj Gaikwad departed for just 1, and the required run rate ballooned.

MS Dhoni gave fans a glimmer of hope with a blazing 27 off 12 balls, including three sixes. However, his dismissal on the first ball of the final over — caught by Yuzvendra Chahal — sealed CSK’s fate as they ended on 201/5, falling short by 18 runs.

Srikkanth urged the team to rethink their strategy, especially in bowling. “It’s high time CSK does something with their bowling and restricts the opponents to under 180. The batting order isn’t built for chasing big scores. If CSK has to make a comeback, it rests on the bowlers, not the batters.”

CSK, now desperate for a turnaround, will face defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders next at their fortress, Chepauk, on Friday.