Published: Mar 31, 2025, 08:59 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 31, 2025, 11:38 PM (IST)
Former Indian star spinner Harbhajan Singh has slammed the batting style of Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) Rahul Tewatia. The opener has faced close examination after a dismal start to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. The right-handed batter has only scored 30 runs in his three innings and failed to provide the needed outcome.
CSK took in Rahul Tripathi for a massive sum of Rs. 3.40 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. After that, the team management made a massive decision by giving him the position of an opener. This led to the skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad being sent to the third position. Rahul scored 2 and 5 runs in the initial two matches, but displayed some impressive skills and scored 23 runs off 19 balls in his third match.
On this performance by Rahul, India’s legendary spinner Harbhajan Singh shared his concern on Tripathi’s batting. Harbhajan put emphasis on the fact that the CSK opener seems to shake a lot when he is at the crease. This scenario, in his opinion, affects the performance of the 34-year-old.
“Chennai lost back-to-back matches. They are making too many mistakes. First, they are playing Rahul Rahul Tripathi as an opener. Tripathi is shaking his body more but not scoring runs. Sorry, Tripathi is a very good player, very hard-working, but I am crystal clear that he should not be picked in the XI. If you are shaking too much while batting then when will you see the ball? – runs are not coming and the intent is also not visible at the moment from him,” Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.
Tripathi struggling with the bat goes beyond this season, as he has failed to make impacts in the couple few IPL campaigns as well. Along with the criticism, Harbhajan also shared his disappointment with CSK making the decision to slip skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad down to third place.
“Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is a proper opener, has sacrificed himself at number 3 for Tripathi. The opening pair has always been a big strength for Chennai Super Kings,” Harbhajan stated.
Chennai Super Kings are now to face Delhi Capitals in the upcoming IPL clash at the Chepauk Stadium on April 5.
