The 2025 season has been a tough wake-up call for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), five-time IPL champions. Their reliance on experienced veterans—once the backbone of their success—has backfired this year. As T20 cricket evolves into a faster, more dynamic format, other franchises are pivoting to younger, more agile talent, leaving CSK’s traditional approach looking increasingly outdated.

Since the IPL’s inception, CSK has consistently reached the playoffs and frequently made it to the finals. However, this season has marked a dramatic shift. After an early exit, they now face the embarrassment of potentially finishing last for the first time in their history.

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Head coach Stephen Fleming didn’t hold back after CSK’s six-wicket loss to Rajasthan Royals in Delhi, a result that cemented their position at the bottom of the points table.

“It’s probably no surprise that we find ourselves at the bottom. Our performance reflects that,” Fleming stated in the post-match press conference. “We want to put forth a stronger performance that truly showcases the team’s abilities.”

Following their elimination over two weeks ago, CSK’s remaining matches have become largely academic. The focus has shifted to developing young talent in hopes of building a more robust team for next season. Yet, Fleming stressed the importance of finishing the season with pride and competitiveness.

“Being at the bottom isn’t ideal, but it won’t motivate us. We’re aiming for a good performance to finish the season on a positive note.”

Batting Struggles and Tactical Confusion

CSK’s batting issues—characterized by a lack of intent and consistency—have compounded their struggles this season. Initially, the team struggled to capitalize on powerplay restrictions until younger players like Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis joined the lineup. Although these newcomers have invigorated the team, inconsistency continues to plague their performances.

Adding to their challenges, CSK’s unusual indecision over the batting order has adversely affected their play. Ravindra Jadeja has been moved up to No. 4, a position he seldom occupies, while Ravichandran Ashwin also unexpectedly stepped in at four against Rajasthan. Although Ashwin hit some early boundaries, the constant reshuffling reveals the team’s tactical uncertainty.

“Our batting order isn’t working, and we’re continuously looking to adjust it. We have solid ideas for next season, but this year’s inconsistencies have hindered our progress,” Fleming noted.

Bowling Woes

The bowling unit has been another area of concern for CSK this season. Matheesha Pathirana, a previously reliable player, has struggled, with an economy rate exceeding 10 due to issues with control and rhythm following a change in his bowling action.

“Pathirana’s form hasn’t met our expectations. Despite retaining him for his potential, he’s been out of form since South Africa,” Fleming acknowledged. “He’s improved, but he still has work to do to regain his previous effectiveness.”

Despite being in the race for the Purple Cap, Afghanistan’s mystery spinner Noor Ahmed has also struggled to contain runs.

However, 24-year-old Anshul Kamboj has emerged as a bright spot this season. After being overlooked early on, he made the most of his chances with composed new-ball performances and has even excelled in red-ball cricket.

Praising Kamboj, Fleming expressed optimism about his future, especially with the upcoming India A tour of England: “Kamboj’s speed and deceptive bowling are impressive. If he adapts to English conditions, he could prove highly effective.”

Simranjeet Kaur Bath, a former bronze medallist at the World Championship, has gone professional after being signed by renowned American boxer Roy Jones Jr. and Indian boxer Mandeep Jangra.

At 29, the two-time Asian Championship medallist represented India in the Tokyo Olympics and is now the third Indian boxer this year to make the shift to professionalism, joining World Championship medallists Nishant Dev and Amit Panghal.

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“I am thrilled to kick off my career with such a prominent promoter, who has produced many star boxers. Mandeep Jangra is already making our country proud in the professional arena, and I aim to do the same. With Roy Jones Jr. as my promoter, I am confident in advancing my career,” said Simranjit.

Hailing from Chakkar, Punjab, Simranjeet finished as a runner-up in the National Championship for the 65kg category earlier this March and is also the first female boxer from her state to compete in the Olympics.

On the second day of the inaugural Khelo India Beach Games in Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu achieved a remarkable milestone. The first gold medals were awarded in the pencak silat competition, with Daman & Diu claiming two of the initial three.

Pencak silat, an Indonesian martial art, showcased the prowess of this Union Territory nestled by the Arabian Sea. Prasanna Narendra Bendre from Daman & Diu secured gold in the senior men’s tunggal (artistic) event, while Kirtana Manojkumar Acharya from the home team won gold in the senior women’s category.

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In the morning session at Ghoghla Beach, a third gold was awarded in the solo event (artistic) of pencak silat, where Punjab’s Aaryan triumphed over Odisha’s Sohil Gurung. Pencak silat is a highly technical sport that rewards artistic form and creativity.

Bendre is the region’s most decorated athlete, boasting a silver and two bronze medals from international competitions. He earned silver at the 2022 Asian Championship in Jammu and Kashmir, while his bronze medals came at the 2024 Asian Championship in Dubai and the World Championship in Abu Dhabi.

Bendre expressed hope that the Khelo India Beach Games would enhance tourism in Diu: “That will benefit us. A stronger economy will support all sports and infrastructure,” he stated.

Beach soccer kicked off on Monday, featuring a series of lopsided matches in both the men’s and women’s divisions. Lakshadweep celebrated one of the most significant victories, crushing Gujarat 19-1, while Odisha’s women dominated Madhya Pradesh with an 18-0 win.

The Games, concluding on May 24, feature six medal sports: soccer, volleyball, kabaddi, open swimming, sepak takraw, and pencak silat, along with two non-medal events (mallakhamb and tug-of-war).

Pencak silat results:

Solo Creative Senior Male: Gold: Aaryan (Punjab, 560), Silver: Sohil Gurung (Odisha, 542), Bronze: Vaibhav Valmik Kale (Maharashtra, 541), and Kevin (Nagaland, 525).

Tunggal Senior Female: Gold: Kirtana Manojkumar Acharya (Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu, 408), Silver: Bhoomikajiten Drajain (Madhya Pradesh, 397), Bronze: Edwina Lhinghoithem Hanghal (Nagaland, 387), and Dolly Leishangthem (Manipur, 380).

Tunggal Senior Male: Gold: Prasanna Narendra Bendre (Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu, 420), Silver: Raja Das (West Bengal, 397), Bronze: Ravees Ahmad (Jammu and Kashmir, 391), and Krishna Narsing Panchal (Maharashtra, 382).