“It is [surprising] because at CSK you can’t complain, it’s one franchise where they’ve been preparing pitches according to their strengths,” Pujara said on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show after CSK suffered a 50-run defeat to RCB, their biggest home loss.

“You should [use home advantage]; if he’s saying that [there is no home advantage] and they don’t have a say, then I’m quite surprised. If you speak about MI, CSK, KKR – I don’t think that’s the case [them not getting pitches they ask for]. Any other franchise, I can still understand. Those [three] franchises make sure they get what they want. Their strength has been when they play at home.”

CSK’s Batting Concerns and Dhoni’s Role

One of the biggest talking points in CSK’s chase was their decision to send Sam Curran ahead of Shivam Dube and R Ashwin ahead of MS Dhoni. Dhoni, who batted at No. 9, managed 30 off 16 balls, including two sixes and a four in the final over bowled by Krunal Pandya.

“There is a lot of concern [in the batting line-up outside of Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad] because their middle order will have to click at some point,” Pujara said. “They rely heavily on their middle order. When the top order fails, the middle order has to step up, and right now, it doesn’t seem completely ready for it. They need better surfaces to regain form, and once they play at home again, they should perform better.”

Pujara emphasized that beyond the loss, the manner of defeat was concerning. “There’s a lot to learn for CSK,” he said. “If you’re a CSK fan, you’d really be disappointed today. Losing is part of the game, but the way they lost this match will leave dents in the dressing room.”

Nick Knight: ‘Conway for Curran and Dube Batting Higher’

Former England opener Nick Knight criticized CSK for disrupting a “tried-and-tested” opening pair by separating Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway. Conway, who had a stellar 2023 season, was left out in favor of Rahul Tripathi at the top.

“In my top order, I’d have Devon Conway. I’m surprised he’s not playing,” Knight said. “I’d play both of them [Conway and Rachin]. I’m going to leave Sam Curran out. Gaikwad and Conway at the top is a proven combination. Rachin can bat at No. 3, and you work down from there. The only challenge is that Dhoni may have to bat at No. 7, which he sometimes avoids. But he made 30 off 16 today and effected a brilliant stumping; I’d push for him to bat at No. 7.”

Dube’s Role Needs Rethinking

Knight also pointed out that Shivam Dube’s batting position needs immediate adjustment. Against RCB, Dube batted at No. 6 and managed 19 off 15 balls. Since IPL 2023, he has been one of CSK’s best middle-over hitters against spin, with a strike rate of 169.71.

“Why was Dube not batting higher? I was stunned when he came in behind Curran,” Knight said. “They were already behind in the game. He could have injected some momentum. I saw him dominate the England attack a few months ago in the T20I series. If he can’t do the same in IPL, something is wrong.”

Knight proposed an alternative batting order for CSK: “If you go Conway, Gaikwad, Ravindra, Hooda, Dube, Jadeja, Dhoni – that’s a decent line-up.”

Also Read : Fleming: ‘No Home Advantage at Chepauk’ – CSK’s Struggles with Their Home Pitch Continue

Purple Cap Table

In the match against RCB, Noor Ahmad dismissed in-form opener Phil Salt for 32, thanks to MS Dhoni’s lightning-fast stumping, before removing Virat Kohli for 31. He later sent Liam Livingstone back for 10, surpassing Shardul Thakur’s tally of six wickets. In CSK’s opening game against Mumbai Indians (MI) in Chennai, Noor claimed 4 for 18, earning the Player-of-the-Match award. The Afghanistan wristspinner was bought by CSK for INR 10 crore at the auction.

Shardul Thakur follows closely with six wickets in two games. He delivered a match-winning 4 for 34 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), removing Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan in consecutive deliveries before dismissing Abhinav Manohar and Mohammed Shami. Thakur, an injury replacement for Mohsin Khan, also took 2 for 19 in LSG’s first game against Delhi Capitals (DC), dismissing Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abishek Porel in the first over.

RCB’s Josh Hazlewood climbed into the top three with a standout performance against CSK. Hazlewood dismantled CSK’s top order, dismissing opener Rahul Tripathi for 5 and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad for a duck. Later, he returned to claim Ravindra Jadeja’s wicket for 25, finishing with 3 for 21. Against Kolkata Knight Riders, he had earlier registered 2 for 22.

Orange Cap Table

Nicholas Pooran is leading the batting charts, smashing 75 off 30 balls against DC and 70 off 26 against SRH. The LSG powerhouse has also dominated the six-hitting leaderboard with 13 maximums in two innings and boasts an explosive strike rate of 258.91.

Mitchell Marsh, opening for LSG, follows with 124 runs from two games, including 72 off 36 against DC and 52 off 31 against SRH. Playing as a specialist batter this season due to injury recovery, Marsh’s consistent contributions have given LSG stability at the top.

Also Read : Rachin Ravindra on CSK Opening Role: “An Honour Knowing Its History

“Well, as we’ve been telling you for a number of years, there was no home advantage at Chepauk,” Fleming said after CSK suffered their biggest defeat at home. “We’ve won away from home a couple of times. And we haven’t been able to read… we’ve been really honest with you. We haven’t been able to read the wickets here in the last couple of years. So, it’s not new. We are trying to come to grips each day with what we get, and we don’t know.”

The Chepauk pitches in IPL 2024 didn’t suit spin, which has been CSK’s traditional strength. The fast bowlers took 74 wickets while the spinners claimed only 25 at the venue last season.

“It’s not the Chepauk [of old] where you can just go in and play four spinners,” Fleming said. “We’re having to work really hard to try and understand what the nature of each pitch is, and it’s quite different.”

“No, we didn’t get it right,” Fleming said. “It’s so hard to read, but we thought it was going to skid on with the dew, but it actually got a bit tacky. So, it certainly made it harder here.”

CSK’s batters don’t usually swing from the get-go – which can become a talking point when big chases go wrong – but that doesn’t make them a bad team, Fleming insisted.

“We talk about firepower, we have firepower all the way through,” Fleming said. “I don’t understand this question. Just because we don’t swing from ball one and have a little bit of luck go away, we’ll see at the end. Just see at the end who wins it. It’s a positive brand of cricket, no doubt about it, but don’t discount us.”

Also Read : GT and MI Seek First IPL 2025 Win as Hardik Returns to Ahmedabad

The pre-match discussions centered on how RCB would tackle 12 overs of spin, but the conditions flipped the narrative: how would CSK handle eight overs of traditional seam and swing from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood? The answer: not very well. Their combined figures of 7-0-41-4 dismantled CSK’s top order.

Salt, Padikkal Knock CSK Around

Khaleel Ahmed found seam movement and uneven bounce in the first over, but CSK lacked the quick bowlers to exploit such conditions. They planned to open with R Ashwin, and did so, but Phil Salt took him on immediately, smashing a six off the first ball. The over leaked 16 runs, prompting an early introduction of Noor Ahmad.

On his way to the Purple Cap, Noor and Dhoni combined for a lightning stumping to dismiss Salt for 32 off 16 balls. However, Devdutt Padikkal countered with aggressive strokes, unsettling Jadeja with sweeps and charges that yielded 15 runs in an over.

Patidar Ruins CSK’s Plans

When Ashwin got Padikkal for 27 off 14 deliveries, CSK saw a chance to regain control. But Patidar ensured spin wasn’t used effectively against Virat Kohli, who struggled to maintain a run-a-ball strike rate. Patidar launched Noor over the ropes at the first opportunity, while Kohli took 16 runs off Pathirana’s second over, pushing RCB to 109 for 2 in 11 overs.

Jadeja nearly had his revenge when he induced a mis-hit from Patidar, but Deepak Hooda dropped a sitter. Patidar survived three half-chances before eventually falling, while Kohli’s wicket slowed RCB down to 145 for 4 in the 16th over.

RCB End Strongly

Jitesh Sharma’s inside-out six off Noor and Patidar’s stylish pick-up shot off Pathirana provided the needed acceleration before the death overs. Despite a one-run 19th over by Pathirana, Tim David’s three sixes in the last over off Sam Curran pushed RCB well past what CSK considered a par total.

Fast-Bowling Clinic

Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar delivered a masterclass in seam bowling. Hazlewood’s bounce and Bhuvneshwar’s movement left CSK’s top order in tatters. Rahul Tripathi and Ruturaj Gaikwad fell in Hazlewood’s first over, while Bhuvneshwar dismissed Hooda, securing his 73rd powerplay wicket.

A Long Meander to Defeat

With three wickets lost early, CSK’s chase became a slow march toward an inevitable loss. The spinners kept Rachin Ravindra and Shivam Dube quiet, forcing them into difficult shots. Dhoni walked in with 4.4 overs left, teasing fans by batting after Jadeja and Ashwin. While he landed some big blows in the final overs, he couldn’t prevent CSK’s record home defeat.

Also Read : IPL 2025 Leaderboard: Pooran Tops Orange Cap, Thakur Grabs Purple Cap

Big Picture – Can Rashid Khan Bounce Back?

Hardik Pandya faced a harsh reception from Ahmedabad fans last season when he led MI against his former team, Gujarat Titans (GT). Now, he returns to the Narendra Modi Stadium for his first match of IPL 2025 after missing MI’s opening game against Chennai Super Kings due to an over-rate penalty.

Pandya’s comeback is expected to bolster MI’s balance and experience, which they lacked against CSK. Meanwhile, GT’s key player Rashid Khan will be looking to recover from a tough outing against Punjab Kings, where he conceded 48 runs in four overs.

Team News and Probable XI

Gujarat Titans (Probable XI):

1. Shubman Gill (capt), 2. Sai Sudharsan, 3. Jos Buttler (wk), 4. Sherfane Rutherford, 5. Shahrukh Khan, 6. Rahul Tewatia, 7. Rashid Khan, 8. Arshad Khan, 9. R Sai Kishore, 10. Kagiso Rabada, 11. Mohammed Siraj, 12. Prasidh Krishna.

GT might struggle to accommodate Washington Sundar, given Rashid Khan’s irreplaceable role and the impressive performance of R Sai Kishore against PBKS.

Mumbai Indians (Probable XI):

1. Rohit Sharma, 2. Ryan Rickelton (wk), 3. Will Jacks, 4. Suryakumar Yadav, 5. Tilak Varma, 6. Hardik Pandya (capt), 7. Naman Dhir, 8. Mitchell Santner, 9. Deepak Chahar, 10. Trent Boult, 11. Satyanarayana Raju, 12. Vignesh Puthur.

With Pandya returning, MI is likely to make only one change, replacing Robin Minz. Left-arm wristspinner Vignesh Puthur, who impressed on debut, could be a key Impact Sub option.

In Focus – Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav

Gill showed an aggressive intent in GT’s chase against PBKS, smashing 33 off 14 balls. His approach in this match, particularly if GT bats first, could be crucial.

Suryakumar Yadav, on the other hand, has struggled for runs in recent T20 games, with only 119 runs in his last 10 innings. A good knock in Ahmedabad could help him regain his form.

Pitch and Conditions

Ahmedabad’s pitch is expected to be flat and favor batters. With temperatures expected to cool from 38°C in the afternoon to the mid-20s in the evening, dew could play a major role, making chasing advantageous. Six of the eight games at this venue in IPL 2024 were won by the team batting second.

Key Stats

• Jos Buttler batted at No. 3 for just the second time in 107 IPL innings against PBKS, a role he might continue.
• Rashid Khan remains one of the IPL’s most effective bowlers despite an expensive 2023 and 2024.
• Rohit Sharma’s duck against CSK was his 18th in IPL history, the second-most among players with 100+ dismissals in the tournament.
• Mohammed Siraj is yet to dismiss Rohit in T20s; the MI captain has scored 74 runs off him in 10 innings.

Also Read : Shardul Thakur’s Redemption: From IPL Auction Snub to Match-Winning Hero

Shardul Thakur produced a match-winning 4 for 34 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), propelling him to the top of the Purple Cap leaderboard in IPL 2025. Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) continue to dominate the batting charts, with Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh occupying the first two spots in the Orange Cap race.

Purple Cap Standings: Thakur Leads the Way

Thakur’s six wickets in two games put him ahead of Chennai Super Kings’ Noor Ahmad, who delivered a stellar 4 for 18 against Mumbai Indians. Krunal Pandya follows closely in third place after a 3 for 29 spell for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Orange Cap Standings: Pooran’s Power-Hitting Prowess

Pooran has been the standout batter of IPL 2025, hammering 75 off 30 balls against Delhi Capitals and 70 off 26 against SRH. With 13 sixes in just two games and a strike rate of 258.91, he leads the run-scoring charts.

His LSG teammate Mitchell Marsh follows with 124 runs from two games, including a dominant 72 against Delhi Capitals. Travis Head, fresh off an explosive IPL 2024, holds third place with 114 runs.

Strike Rate Kings & Best Economy Bowlers

Pooran also tops the strike rate leaderboard, while bowlers with exceptional economy rates continue to make an impact.

Also Red : KKR Spinners Dominate as Quinton de Kock Seals Comfortable Win Against Royals

Nicholas Pooran once again showcased his devastating batting skills, smashing a breathtaking 70 off 26 balls as LSG cruised to a five-wicket win over SRH. Despite hitting 13 sixes in just two IPL 2025 outings, Pooran insists he never focuses on power-hitting but instead relies on his timing.

“I Never Worked on My Bat Speed”

The explosive left-hander played a defining role in LSG’s chase, reaching his fifty in just 18 balls. When asked about his batting style, Pooran humbly credited his natural ability rather than technical drills.

“I’ve never worked on my bat speed; I’m just blessed with incredible talent,” he told The Hindu. “I’ve been refining my game for nine years, and now I’m reaping the rewards on the field by winning matches for my team.”

LSG’s Strategic Move: Pooran at No. 3

LSG’s management made a crucial tactical decision to push Pooran up the order while Rishabh Pant dropped to the middle order. The move paid off spectacularly, with Pooran forming a match-winning 116-run stand with Mitchell Marsh.

Mitchell Marsh Praises Pooran’s Unstoppable Knock

Marsh, who also notched up a half-century, was in awe of Pooran’s batting display. “It was fascinating to watch. I’ve played against Nicky for a long time, but to be on his team now is special,” Marsh said during the post-match press conference.

With this win, LSG continues to make a strong statement in IPL 2025, powered by Pooran’s fearless batting and the team’s tactical flexibility.

Also Read : Jonny Bairstow Eyes England Comeback with Strong Yorkshire Season

LSG delivered a clinical performance, comfortably chasing down 191 against SRH with 23 balls to spare. Nicholas Pooran’s explosive 70 off 26 balls and Shardul Thakur’s four-wicket haul ensured LSG’s five-wicket victory in Hyderabad.

Thakur’s Early Breakthroughs Set the Tone

SRH, known for their aggressive batting, struggled against Thakur’s precision. He removed Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan off consecutive deliveries, halting SRH’s early momentum.

Despite Travis Head’s brisk 47 and Aniket Verma’s fiery 36 off 13 balls, SRH’s innings never gained full control. Their lower-order contributions weren’t enough to push them past the 200-run mark.

Pooran’s Power-Hitting Destroys SRH’s Defense

LSG’s chase got off to a rocky start with the early dismissal of Aiden Markram. However, Pooran turned the game on its head, launching sixes at will. He dominated SRH’s bowlers, particularly taking on left-arm spinner Abhishek Sharma and legspinner Adam Zampa.

Mitchell Marsh played a solid supporting role with a 52-run knock, ensuring LSG remained in control throughout the chase. Abdul Samad’s unbeaten cameo of 22 from 8 balls provided the finishing

LSG’s Bold Approach Earns Crucial Victory

This emphatic win was a statement from LSG, showcasing their fearless approach in IPL 2025. With Thakur leading the bowling attack and Pooran dismantling oppositions with the bat, LSG looks set for a dominant season ahead.

Also Read : KKR Spinners Dominate as Quinton de Kock Seals Comfortable Win Against Royals

Shardul Thakur was preparing for a County Championship stint with Essex when his IPL journey took an unexpected turn. Initially unsold at the IPL 2025 auction, Thakur was later picked up by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as an injury replacement. He has since become the leading wicket-taker of the season, proving his worth with stellar performances.

On Thursday, Thakur claimed the Purple Cap after another match-winning spell, helping LSG restrict Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to 190 for 9.

Zaheer Khan’s Call That Changed Everything

Thakur revealed that multiple teams had approached him before the IPL 2025 season, but the first call came from LSG mentor Zaheer Khan.

“It was just one bad day in the auction,” Thakur said. “But cricket is unpredictable. A few injury replacements opened up, and LSG approached me first. Working with Zaheer was a great opportunity, and I had to accept it.”

A Season of Redemption and Impactful Performances

Thakur was in top form during the Ranji Trophy, where he picked up 35 wickets in nine games. It was during the knockouts that he first got the hint of an IPL return. “Zaheer called and told me to stay prepared. From that moment, I got into the IPL mindset again,” Thakur shared.

Replacing injured pacer Mohsin Khan, Thakur made an immediate impact. His four-wicket haul (4 for 34) against SRH not only helped LSG clinch their first win of the season but also took him past the 100-wicket milestone in IPL history.

LSG’s Masterstroke in Reviving Thakur’s IPL Career

LSG’s decision to bring in Thakur has already paid off. His aggressive bowling against a formidable SRH batting lineup was crucial in dismantling their top order.

Thakur’s fearless approach resonated with LSG’s strategy. “They [SRH batters] have been coming hard at bowlers, so we decided to go hard at them,” he said. “Taking early wickets was the key, and we executed our plan perfectly.”

LSG’s Mitchell Marsh praised Thakur’s match-winning performance, emphasizing his experience and ability to handle pressure. “Shardul set the tone early for us. His spell made all the difference,” Marsh said.

Thakur’s Next Challenge in IPL 2025

With LSG eyeing a deep run in IPL 2025, Thakur’s resurgence is a huge boost. His experience and versatility with both the new ball and in the death overs make him a vital asset for the team.

From an auction snub to becoming the season’s top wicket-taker, Shardul Thakur’s IPL 2025 journey is a testament to resilience, proving that setbacks are temporary, but comebacks can be legendary.

Also Read : Moeen Ali Steps Up in Narine’s Absence, Shines on KKR Debut

There was a time when Virat Kohli’s game against spin was seen as a potential weakness. However, last year, in line with India’s aggressive T20 approach, he significantly improved against slower bowling. As IPL 2025 kicks off, Kohli has already shown his intent, and ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s much-anticipated clash with Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk, the focus is once again on how he will handle the spin trio of R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Noor Ahmad.

“He has batted well in the recent past against spin, especially in white-ball cricket,” Karthik said. “I don’t want to go too deep into stats, but if I recall, he performed when it mattered, like in the T20 World Cup finals and the Champions Trophy, where he was India’s second-highest run-scorer. That doesn’t happen without playing spin well.”

Karthik further highlighted Kohli’s relentless work ethic. “Even today, as I stepped out, he wanted to work on one more shot. That tells you about his hunger. He just wants to improve and keep raising the bar. Right now, he is batting as confidently and fluently as ever in the IPL.”

Will Chennai’s Pitch Aid Spin?

While Chepauk has traditionally been known for assisting spin, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming has acknowledged that conditions haven’t always been predictable.

“It’s difficult. We don’t have much influence over the pitch,” Fleming explained. “Every surface has its own characteristics. We’ll have to assess and adapt from ball one. If it turns, great. But we’ve also prepared for a flat track.”

The Rise of Mystery Spin in T20 Cricket

CSK’s acquisition of Noor Ahmad has added a fresh dimension to their attack. Fleming offered insight into why mystery spinners continue to thrive in T20s.

“Many of these young players are extremely powerful hitters, but they don’t always have years of first-class experience. They are encountering mystery spin for the first time on a big stage. That makes it a challenge, but also an opportunity for bowlers with unique skills to make an impact.”

Also Read : Tom Latham Ruled Out of Pakistan ODIs, Bracewell to Lead New Zealand