Harbhajan Singh has openly questioned the Chennai Super Kings’ team selection strategy during what has been a forgettable IPL 2025 campaign for the five-time champions. The former India off-spinner suggested that the team might have fared better had they deployed a spin-heavy combination, particularly in their clash against the Punjab Kings.
CSK, known for their reliance on experienced players, have struggled to find form this season. With just two wins from their first ten matches and eight losses piling up, the franchise’s formula of banking on seasoned names seems to have backfired. The older core that once brought success appears to be faltering under the demands of a long and competitive tournament.
Among the key talking points has been the absence of Ravichandran Ashwin from the playing XI. After a sluggish start to the season—managing only five wickets in seven outings with an economy rate of 9.29—the veteran spinner was dropped. This decision, however, has not sat well with Harbhajan.
“Chennai did not select the team based on conditions. Had Noor Ahmad, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja played together against Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings could have won the match,” Harbhajan said during a discussion on JioHotstar.
He went on to question the rationale behind sidelining a marquee player like Ashwin. “You did not pay ₹10 crore for Ashwin to bench him. I do not know why he is not playing, but it seems he might have fought with someone,” Harbhajan added.
His comments have intensified scrutiny over CSK’s team management and strategy, as the franchise continues to search for answers in a season that’s slipping away.
