CSK vs KKR: Why R Ashwin batted ahead of MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja?

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Chennai Super Kings' struggle continues in the IPL 2025 as they are currently in the backfoot against Kolkata Knight Riders.

After Ruturaj Gaikwad's injury, MS Dhoni has taken over captaincy. Despite the change, the fortunes haven't returned for the franchise as they are currently in the mud.

As they bat first at the Chepauk, CSK have lost four wickets and are tottering at 70 for 5 after 13 overs.

KKR's bowlers, particularly Moeen Ali, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Sunil Narine, effectively utilized the spin-friendly conditions of the Chepauk pitch. Moeen Ali secured a wicket and maintained a tight economy, while Chakaravarthy and Narine each took a wicket, applying consistent pressure on CSK's batting lineup.

The Super Kings lost both openers, Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway, within the first four overs. At the 11-over mark, CSK's score stood at 65/4, with Shivam Dube and Ravichandran Ashwin at the crease.

CSK vs KKR: Why did R Ashwin bat ahead of MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja?

After Rahul Tripathi was dismissed, Ashwin came out to bat, which has surprised many. Despite having players like MS Dhoni or Ravindra Jadeja in the hut, the veteran spinner walked out to bat at no. 6, quite bafflingly.

Ashwin's knock made no impact at all as he was dismissed soon by Harshit Rana with just 1 run to his name in 7 balls.

MS Dhoni is known for taking bold steps and it was probably one of those moves from the veteran CSK captain. Ravichandran Ashwin has been known as a hitter of the ball and probably CSK were thinking of some quick runs from the veteran players. But the ploy hasn't worked at all as CSK have now lost five wickets with just seventy runs on the board.