3 Critical Factors That CSK Should Work On Ahead Of Do-Or-Die Match vs SRH

Debashis Sarangi

CSK will take on SRH tonight [Source: AP]CSK will take on SRH tonight [Source: AP]

The 43rd IPL 2025 match will witness a riveting contest between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This is a must-win affair for both teams, as they have incurred six defeats in eight outings. 

Talking about CSK, the MS Dhoni-led outfit has disappointed its fans through a string of abysmal performances. As they brace themselves for a clash against the Orange Army, here are three areas they must work on to add two crucial points to their tally. 

1. Powerplay Batting

Criterion
Data
Balls faced288
Runs scored359
Average29.91
Strike Rate124.65
Dot %43.05

(CSK batters in powerplay in IPL 2025)

  • Statistically, CSK have recorded the lowest run rate (7.85) in the powerplay phase in IPL 2025. The CSK batters have struck 359 runs (excluding 18 extras) at a worrisome strike rate of 124.65 in the first six overs of the game. 
  • In a phase where the batters are supposed to capitalise on the field restrictions, the Super Kings have failed to accelerate, playing 43.05 per cent dots. 
  • While the likes of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head pose certain threats to the CSK seamers, the difference between the batting approaches of the two teams in the powerplay could be a defining factor in the high-voltage contest. 
  • Therefore, it's time for Shaik Rasheed, Rachin Ravindra and Ayush Mhatre to play with a fearless attitude and ensure a solid start for their side in this match. 

2. Noor Ahmad And Pathirana's Bowling Slump

Criterion
Noor in last 5 games
Pathirana in IPL 2025
Overs1521.4
Wickets37
Average41.6732.29
SR3018.57
Economy8.3310.43

(Noor and Pathirana's modest numbers)

  • Noor Ahmad had an extraordinary start to his IPL 2025 campaign, scalping seven wickets, including a four-wicket haul, in the first two matches. However, the batters have managed to read his variations since then, as he has bagged only three wickets in the last five matches. 
  • Meanwhile, Matheesha Pathirana has also failed to live up to the hype, recording an abysmal average of 32.29 with the ball. The Sri Lankan speedster has been unable to control the flow of runs, as evidenced by his economy rate of 10.43 this season. 
  • Despite Khaleel Ahmed performing admirably, the inconsistency of these two bowlers have made things tough for the Super Kings, especially in the middle and death overs. 
  • Thus, Noor and Pathirana must rediscover their mojo; otherwise, SRH's rampant batting attack could annihilate the five-time champions tonight. 

3. Team Selection And Fielding Blunders

  • CSK have failed to assemble a settled combination, losing six out of eight IPL 2025 matches. 
  • While their decision to trust the English all-rounders has backfired on the Super Kings, multi-dimensional Indian players like R Ashwin and Deepak Hooda haven't impressed the think tank either. 
  • In such a scenario, it will be interesting to see if CSK revert to specialists instead of players who can do a bit of both batting and bowling. Furthermore, their fielding, something head coach Stephen Fleming openly criticised recently, must be fine-tuned if they wish to change their fortunes tonight.