Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have made a significant change to their lineup for the upcoming IPL 2025 match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Stadium on Monday, April 14. Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been excluded from the playing XI, marking a shift in the team's strategy.
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CSK's recent five-game losing streak has prompted the team to reassess its combination. Ashwin, who returned to CSK with a big-money move during the mega auction, has struggled to make an impact this season. In six matches, he has taken only five wickets, with an economy rate of 9.90 runs per over. Ashwin has faced difficulties in the middle overs and has been targeted by opposition batters, especially when used in the powerplay.
CSK stand-in captain MS Dhoni confirmed at the toss that Ashwin would not be part of the playing XI. It remains unclear whether the decision was due to Ashwin's form, team combination, or an injury concern.
"We need to set the right temperament. We've not been consistent with the bat. We need to express ourselves with the bat and play a few big shots now. We have a couple of changes. Shaik Rasheed comes in place of Devon Conway and Jamie Overton comes in for Ashwin," Dhoni said after opting to bowl first.
The replacement of Ashwin with Overton is a tactical move, with CSK opting to field only two frontline spinners and adding a pace-bowling all-rounder for balance and depth. Overton had previously been part of the CSK playing XI during their loss to Rajasthan Royals, where he finished with figures of 0-30 from two overs and scored 11 runs off four balls.
Ashwin's last outing was a forgettable one, as he struggled with both bat and ball during CSK's heavy defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Promoted to No.6 in the batting order, he scored just one run off seven balls. With the ball, he conceded 30 runs in three overs, as KKR comfortably chased down a modest 104-run target to hand CSK their third consecutive loss at home.
