Chennai Super Kings (CSK) began their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign on a high note with a win against Mumbai Indians (MI) but stumbled in their second match, losing to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at home.
A major concern for the team has been the poor form of two key batters, who were given major backing but failed to deliver. With back-to-back failures, their place in the CSK’s playing XI for the next match is in jeopardy.
Rahul Tripathi’s underwhelming performance
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had high hopes for Rahul Tripathi this season, to the extent that captain Ruturaj Gaikwad moved away from his opening spot to adjust him. However, Tripathi has struggled, managing just 2 runs against Mumbai Indians and 5 against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). With such underwhelming performances, CSK might look for alternatives in their next game.
Deepak Hooda fails to make impact
Deepak Hooda has also failed to impress, both with the bat and in the field. He managed just 3 runs against Mumbai Indians (MI) and 4 against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), wasting crucial opportunities to play a big innings. His subpar performances could see him being replaced in the upcoming match.
Opportunities running out?
Both Rahul Tripathi and Deepak Hooda are versatile players – Tripathi can bat across the top and middle order, while Hooda provides an additional bowling option.
However, their ordinary performances in last year’s IPL and lack of international exposure put them under immense pressure this season. If they don’t turn things around quickly, their opportunities in IPL 2025 may decrease even more.
RCB ends 17-year drought, defeats CSK by 50 runs
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) continued their strong start to IPL 2025, securing back-to-back wins. In their second match of the season, RCB registered a historic 50-run win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK), breaking a 17-year-long losing streak at Chepauk.
Chasing a 197-run target, CSK’s innings faltered early as they lost three key wickets inside the powerplay. Rahul Tripathi (5), Deepak Hooda (4), and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad (0) all failed to provide stability. Despite a fighting knock from Rachin Ravindra (41 off 31 balls), CSK couldn’t recover and fell short by 50 runs.
