In the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, legendary West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop shared some cheeky banter with his fellow commentators, taking playful jabs at the extreme loyalty of Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) supporters. During a conversation with Ambati Rayudu, Bishop called out former CSK players Matthew Hayden and Shane Watson for their biased opinions when it came to discussing their former team. He jokingly mentioned that the trio’s love for CSK is so strong, they could never criticize their former side.
Bishop remarked with a smile: “The CSK guys, right? Ambati Rayudu, Matthew Hayden, Shane Watson, they are very very pro-CSK. CSK have to leave the room before they confess that CSK is not it. Given the success, I understand why there is a strong bond, it’s like that umbilical cord can never be cut.”
Rayudu, known for his humor, responded without missing a beat: “I mean, unapologetically, we are.”
Despite the jovial atmosphere, CSK has faced a rocky start in IPL 2025, managing just one win out of their first four matches. Their struggles are evident, and the team’s performance has been a topic of concern for both fans and analysts alike.
Following their 24-run defeat to Delhi Capitals (DC) at Chepauk Stadium, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad opened up about the reasons behind the loss. The win for Delhi was powered by exceptional spells from spinners Vipraj Nigam and Kuldeep Yadav, who choked the CSK batting line-up, making it difficult for them to maintain a decent run rate.
Gaikwad explained the team’s struggles during the post-match presentation:
“Since the last few games, it’s not going our way. We are trying to improve, trying our best, but not going our way. Lost too many wickets. (Powerplay) It’s a major concern even in the bowling department. We are giving away 15-20 runs extra or losing too many wickets. We are trying, but it’s just not happening. (On the team’s struggles) I just think that whoever is bowling in powerplay is slightly over-concerned or tentative. And with the bat you don’t want to lose an extra wicket, but it’s just about being positive.”
The loss to Delhi emphasized CSK’s ongoing issues with both their batting and bowling, particularly in the powerplay. Gaikwad acknowledged that their bowlers have been giving away extra runs, and their batters have been losing wickets at crucial moments. However, despite the challenges, the CSK captain remains hopeful, urging his team to remain positive and work through the tough patches.
While CSK’s performance has been inconsistent, Bishop’s banter and Gaikwad’s candid insights highlight the resilience of the team. Despite the challenges, the loyalty of former CSK players like Rayudu, Hayden, and Watson continues to shine through, and the team will look to bounce back as the season progresses.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
