Dale Steyn Slams CSK Management: ‘Math Not Mathing’ After Top-Order Collapse Against RR
In a scathing critique, former South Africa pace legend Dale Steyn has taken aim at the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) team management following yet another disastrous batting performance in their IPL 2025 encounter against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Tuesday at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. With CSK crumbling to a perilous 78/5, Steyn’s outspoken comments have reignited debates over the franchise’s tactical missteps under the leadership of captain MS Dhoni and head coach Stephen Fleming.
Steyn, known for his fiery on-field persona and sharp analysis off it, took to social media platform X to express his bewilderment at CSK’s batting order decisions. After losing three early wickets, the team opted to promote spin-bowling all-rounders Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja to the crucial No. 4 and No. 5 spots. ‘CSK 3 down and they send 2 bowlers to bat. Sometimes I feel their math is not mathing,’ Steyn posted, echoing the frustration of fans witnessing yet another muddled strategy unfold.
The gamble failed spectacularly as Ashwin managed just 13 runs and Jadeja a meager 1 run, while power-hitters like Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, and even Dhoni himself waited in the dugout. This questionable call allowed RR’s bowlers, led by the likes of Trent Boult and Yuzvendra Chahal, to tighten their grip, striking at regular intervals to dismantle CSK’s innings. The numbers paint a grim picture: CSK have now lost their top five wickets for under 100 runs in four of their last six matches, a statistic that underlines their persistent batting woes.
Amid the wreckage, young opener Ayush Mhatre emerged as a silver lining, scoring a blistering 43 off 20 balls with a strike rate of 215. His aggressive intent briefly raised hopes of a recovery, showcasing why the 19-year-old has been touted as a future star for both CSK and Indian cricket. However, with no support from the other end, his valiant effort was in vain, further exposing the flaws in CSK’s top-order strategy that has haunted them throughout a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign.
With CSK already eliminated from playoff contention, MS Dhoni shed light on the team’s experimental approach during the toss. ‘Once we were out of the tournament, our focus shifted to finding answers for 2026,’ he admitted, defending the constant shuffling of combinations. While the intention to build for the future is clear, critics argue that such experimentation—especially in high-pressure IPL matches—risks damaging player confidence and team morale. CSK’s record of five IPL titles under Dhoni’s captaincy stands as a testament to their past brilliance, but this season’s tally of just 3 wins in 11 matches raises serious questions about their current direction.
As the IPL 2025 season nears its climax, the spotlight remains firmly on CSK to address these glaring issues. For a franchise synonymous with consistency, the road ahead looks challenging. Will Dhoni and Fleming crack the code before the next campaign, or will the ‘math’ continue to baffle? Only time will tell, but for now, Dale Steyn’s blunt assessment serves as a stark reminder of the urgent fixes needed in the CSK camp.