Former Indian captain and coach Anil Kumble believes that Dewald Brevis will be CSK’s big star following their seventh loss in the IPL 2025 season.
CSK’s recent five-wicket defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad at home showed the ongoing issues within the team.
Anil Kumble believes that the team should focus on potential improvements in team combinations and strategies for the remainder of the season.
CSK are now virtually out of the playoff race, even if they win their remaining matches, the chances of getting through are very slim.
Kumble believes in the importance of reinstating the successful opening partnership of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway, despite Conway’s current form dip.
“I felt Ruturaj and Devon Conway—despite Conway not being in the best of form—should’ve started together. That pair won CSK the title a couple of years ago,” Kumble said.
Anil Kumble also suggests changes in the batting order, particularly for Rachin Ravindra proposing he might be better suited to the number three position.
“Rachin Ravindra is a fantastic young talent, but in this format, he seems rushed—perhaps number three would’ve suited him better,” he noted.
Kumble also noted the lack of power-hitting options in the franchise. He sees the inclusion of youngsters Dewald Brevis and Ayush Mhatre as positive steps, “With Brevis and Mhatre now getting games, that’s a positive.”
In the bowling department, Anil Kumble advises CSK to look beyond Matheesha Pathirana and consider Nathan Ellis a more regular role, given his experience in death bowling.
“Nathan Ellis is an experienced death bowler who has delivered before, yet hasn’t found a place after the first match,”Anil Kumble added.
With CSK’s playoff chances slimming, Anil Kumble highlights the need to focus on youth development.
“With five games left, it’s the perfect time to give youngsters a decent run and start building for the future,” Kumble said.
Chennai Super Kings will play their next game against Punjab Kings on April 30 at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.
