'Bring Prithvi Shaw in place of Gaikwad' - Aakash Chopra's advice to struggling CSK

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has insisted that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) need to bring in young players in their playing XI to change their luck in the 2025 IPL. He urged the Men in Yellow to include Prithvi Shaw in their squad as Rututraj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the tournament due to an elbow injury.

“In batting, I am thinking whether Shaik Rasheed can be played. Can you start looking towards some youngsters? I would say call Prithvi Shaw if Ruturaj isn’t returning because you would need an Indian only. I want to see some changes because the way they are playing, the might is not being seen,” Chopra said in his YouTube channel.

The 47-year-old expressed concern over Chennai's performance, noting their persistent weakness in the season. He also highlighted that even Dhoni’s return as captain could not change their fortune.

“If I look at Chennai, I see weakness everywhere. How will you change things? You felt Mahi would turn it around, but it doesn’t happen every time. So it was a problem that he came, but things didn’t change. This team didn’t change their playing style,” the former cricketer added.

Also read: What will happen if CSK gets eliminated from IPL 2025?

Send Jadeja up the order: Aakash Chopra

The Agra born cricketer questioned Chennai’s strategy, suggesting that Ravindra Jadeja should bat higher in the order, as he currently contributes little with bat or ball. He also emphasised Ravichandran Ashwin must improve his performance. He expressed hopelessness about the team’s future this season, doubting their ability to improve with the current lineup.

“Send Jaddu up the order. What is he doing down the order in any case? Neither batting nor bowling, what is the point? Ashwin will have to pull his weight in the side as well, or else you will have to think about playing a different combination," Chopra pointed out in the video.

“This team is not going anywhere at this point in time. I don’t have anything to say for them. Generally, you have a lot of things to say about Chennai, but the way they have performed, I don’t know who can save them. They might win a game or two, but I don’t think they will start climbing up this season with this set of players,” he added.

Meanwhile, CSK have signed Ayush Mhatre as Gaikwad’s replacement. The yellow brigade will clash with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 30 of 2025 IPL in Lucknow. CSK have lost five out of their six games with only a win coming against Mumbai Indians (MI).