The mighty Chennai Super Kings — five-time IPL champions — are crumbling this season. With just one win in four games and languishing at 9th place on the points table, fans are stunned. What’s going wrong with Dhoni’s yellow brigade?
While many point fingers at form and strategy, a glaring issue is being overlooked: Chennai’s failure to back its own Tamil Nadu talent. Three local stars are lighting up IPL 2025 — but not in yellow. Instead, they’re powering rival teams, especially Gujarat Titans, and showing CSK exactly what they're missing out on.
Sai Sudharsan: TN’s Batting Gem Ignored by CSK
Sai Sudharsan, a consistent performer for Gujarat Titans, continues to impress. With an average above 45 and a strike rate around 140, he's one of the most reliable top-order batters this season. Despite being from Tamil Nadu, CSK never invested in him. Gujarat, on the other hand, secured him for ₹8.5 crore — and it’s paying off.
R Sai Kishore: From CSK Reject to Gujarat’s Gamechanger
CSK once had R Sai Kishore in their squad — but rarely gave him a chance. Now at Gujarat, he’s thriving. The left-arm spinner has taken 8 wickets in just 4 matches, maintaining an excellent economy rate. Gujarat got him for just ₹2 crore — a bargain for the impact he’s delivering.
Washington Sundar: Used Brilliantly, But by Gujarat
Another Tamil Nadu star, Washington Sundar, is being used creatively by Gujarat Titans. While traditionally a bowler, Gujarat sent him at No. 4 against Sunrisers Hyderabad — and he smashed 49 runs. Combined with his economical bowling, Sundar is proving to be a valuable all-rounder. Gujarat bought him for ₹3.2 crore — another smart move CSK didn’t make.
Did CSK Miss the Trick?
All three players are not just performing — they understand the Chepauk pitch better than most. Yet, CSK continues to sideline local talent in favor of bigger, often underperforming names. And now, the consequences are becoming clear.
For a franchise known for its strong identity and connection with its fans, CSK’s reluctance to back Tamil Nadu cricketers is both surprising and costly. The fans are asking: How long will Dhoni’s team ignore homegrown heroes before it’s too late?
