The inevitable finally unfolded, albeit slightly delayed, as Chennai Super Kings made a decisive move ahead of their crucial IPL 2025 fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The MS Dhoni-led side opted to bench the struggling Rachin Ravindra, marking a bold shift in strategy for the high-pressure contest at the MA Chidambaram Stadium (Pic: AFP)
Updated On: 2025-04-25 07:51 PM IST
Compiled by : Srijanee Majumdar
In his place, South African power-hitter Dewald Brevis has been drafted into the playing XI, making his much-anticipated debut for CSK. While the call to sideline Ravindra might have caught some fans off guard, the decision stemmed from two pivotal factors that left the team management with little choice
The 21-year-old Brevis has played 81 T20s and scored 1787 runs with a highest score of 162
With a strike rate of just 128 as an opener, significantly lower compared to peers from other franchises consistently striking at 150 or more, Ravindra’s inability to accelerate has weighed heavily on the team’s overall momentum. In the fast-paced format of T20, such a sluggish start can prove costly
Ravindra’s tournament began on a promising note with a vital half-century in the opening match against Mumbai Indians. However, since that innings, the left-hander has failed to make a meaningful contribution. In the following seven games, he has looked completely out of sorts, amassing only 191 runs across eight innings with a solitary fifty to his name
Despite being given an extended run to regain form, Ravindra was unable to justify his place in the starting lineup. Consequently, the CSK think tank has turned to the dynamic Brevis, known for his explosive strokeplay and ability to take the attack to the opposition from ball one, exactly the intent Chennai needs in the powerplay
