'If Jadeja is coming at No. 6, your batting has become extremely weak' - Aakash Chopra questions CSK's batting strategy

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has raised concerns about Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fragile batting lineup ahead of their IPL 2025 clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 8.

Chopra pointed out that while the top-order has shown some improvement, the middle- and lower-order batting order remains a major concern for the five-time champions. He specifically highlighted that Ravindra Jadeja is batting too high in the lineup, which could prove costly, especially when the top order fails to deliver.

"It seems like they have so many shortcomings. How will you survive? You might have fixed the top three, but the batting after that is in a very bad state. Vijay Shankar scored runs for sure, but they weren't match-winning runs. Shivam Dube hasn't scored runs thus far," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

"If you see Jadeja at No. 6, that's at least one or two numbers too high for Jaddu. If we are brutally honest, Jadeja's significant T20 knocks, I am not talking about cameos, have become far and few between. If Jaddu is coming at No. 6, your batting has become extremely weak, especially if your top order is collapsing and you are not scoring runs in the powerplay," Chopra added.

The left-handed all-rounder has scored 76 runs at a strike rate of 122.58 in four innings in the ongoing IPL 2025 season.

Also read: IPL 2025: Shane Watson compares MS Dhoni's CSK with current team under Ruturaj Gaikwad

Dhoni is not batting well: Aakash Chopra

The former cricketer also voiced concerns over MS Dhoni’s batting form and CSK’s overall approach in pressure situations. He noted that whether it is Dhoni or any other player at No. 7, the team seems to lack intent and tends to give up too early during tough chases.

"Whether Dhoni comes at No. 7 or someone else comes at No. 7, the fact is that he is not batting well. There was a massive question in the last match that you weren't even wholeheartedly trying to win. You accept defeat very quickly, whether it was the Guwahati match or the last match. It seems you run out of steam very quickly. You throw in the towel and say you won't be able to do it,” Chopra said.

Shaik Rasheed should get a chance: Chopra

The cricketer turned commentator expressed doubt about CSK’s chances of improving and questioned the continued inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin in the playing XI. He suggested that young batter Shaik Rasheed, who has been with the squad for a while, should be given an opportunity.

"Unfortunately, I don't see things improving from here. It was said somewhere whether Ashwin should be played as he hasn't been that effective and Shaik Rasheed should be given a chance as they have kept him in the team for a long time. I don't know the answer," Chopra added.