Dale Steyn Critiques CSK's Tactics After IPL 2025 Defeat to Rajasthan Royals

In a recent IPL 2025 match, Dale Steyn criticized Chennai Super Kings' tactical decisions after their defeat to Rajasthan Royals. He questioned the choice to send all-rounders up the batting order during a crucial phase of the game, which ultimately backfired. CSK's unusual strategy led to a disappointing total, easily chased down by Rajasthan. With only one match left in the season, fans and analysts alike are left pondering the team's decision-making under pressure. Read on to discover more about this controversial match and its implications for CSK's future.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 21, 2025, 12:29 IST

Steyn Questions CSK's Batting Order Decisions

Renowned fast bowler Dale Steyn has sharply criticized the Chennai Super Kings' strategic choices during their IPL 2025 defeat against the Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday. He specifically questioned the decision to promote two all-rounders in the batting order amidst a critical collapse of the top order.

Following the early loss of three wickets, CSK made the unexpected choice to send Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin to bat in the top five, bypassing power hitters like Dewald Brevis and MS Dhoni. This decision proved detrimental as CSK struggled to gain momentum, ultimately finishing their innings at 187/8, a target that Rajasthan easily surpassed.

In response to the controversial decision, Steyn took to social media, posting on X (formerly Twitter):

“CSK 3 down and they send 2 bowlers to bat. Sometimes I feel their math is not mathing.”

Steyn's tweet quickly gained traction, resonating with many fans who shared his bewilderment regarding CSK's strategy during such a pivotal moment in the match.

Rajasthan Royals Secure Victory as CSK's Strategy Fails

The unconventional batting order resulted in Jadeja managing only 15 runs off 14 balls, while Ashwin was dismissed for just 1 run, further intensifying the pressure on CSK's middle order. Although Dewald Brevis (42 runs off 25 balls) and Shivam Dube (39 runs off 32 balls) provided some late fireworks, the initial damage had already been inflicted.

Rajasthan Royals successfully chased down CSK's total in just 17.1 overs, led by a remarkable performance from 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who scored 57 runs off 33 balls. This defeat left CSK languishing at the bottom of the table, prompting fans to question the team's decision-making under pressure.

Even MS Dhoni's remarks after the match hinted at his disappointment regarding the team's ability to maintain composure in critical situations. He stated,

"Taking risks, that's the phase we want to improve ... the run rate was up but we lost one or two or more wickets at the start",

With only one match left in the season, CSK must reflect on their tactical errors to avoid finishing at the bottom of the standings.