In the preceding 12 seasons of Indian Premier League, never ever have Chennai Super Kings looked so rusty in their approach and even if they play unconventional cricket, backing veterans instead of youngsters, they don’t lose quite often. Sure enough, the move to UAE have hurt them badly but the striking aspect of this season is the panic button that the side is pressing after a string of losses. Virender Sehwag found that baffling and stated that it might be the general sense in the dressing room.

Ajay Jadeja concurred with the thought process but pointed out the lack of intent in the CSK side all through their campaign this year. In the last seven matches, CSK are yet to bat first but quite flabbergastingly, apart from the game against Kings XI Punjab, which they won by 10 wickets, their approach belied the scenario. They kept the asking rate mounting and didn’t even try to achieve that in the death overs. Jadeja felt they are putting up a sad performance for their fans.

“If you could have fought and lost at the end, it makes sense but CSK conceded the game quite early. It is fair if someone is bowling extremely well and you are dismissed but you are giving away the game when you are at the top of the game. That is sad.”