Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) middle order came under heavy fire from fans during their clash against Mumbai Indians (MI) in Match 38 of IPL 2025. The duo of Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja were trolled online for their slow-paced batting, with many comparing it to a Test match innings.
At the end of 14.2 overs, CSK stood at 114/3 with Dube batting on 34 off 24 and Jadeja on 18 off 18. Despite a strong start, the middle phase saw a dramatic slowdown. CSK managed just 37 runs in the last 5 overs without losing a wicket, but also without shifting gears.
Netizens were quick to mock the lack of urgency. One user wrote, “Best part of our batting is done. Now starts the torture of watching Jadeja vs spin and Dube vs pace.” Another sarcastically commented, “Shivam Dube & Jadeja are batting like it’s Day 3 in a Ranji Trophy match.”
Shivam Dube & Ravindra Jadeja batting in Middle Order no Intent in his batting. Batting like Test Cricket. In next Match, Dewald Brevis should play in Middle Order. He is an Attacking batter in Middle Order. pic.twitter.com/mpCSVzk64Y
— VIKAS (@VikasYadav69014) April 20, 2025
Wasn’t Shivam Dube supposed to be a nightmare for spinners? Wasn’t his role clear that he has to take on the spinners from ball one? What happened to his basics? He now bats like he has no clue what he’s doing.
— Fozzy (@fozzywrites) April 20, 2025
Shivam Dube has been very disappointing since second half of 2024. He also needs to fix up. Hides behind Hoodas and Tripathis
— 🖤 (@ameye_17) April 20, 2025
Best part of our batting is done.
Now starts the actual torture of watching Ravindra Jadeja vs Spin and Shivam Dube vs Pace💃🔥 pic.twitter.com/fZ471UCQc5
— Mastikhor 🤪 (@ventingout247) April 20, 2025
The criticism escalated when it was pointed out that Jadeja took 14 balls to hit his first boundary while Dube took time before attempting a release shot against Boult. Fans demanded the inclusion of Dewald Brevis in the next game to bring aggression to the middle order.
With CSK looking to post a competitive total at Wankhede, questions around their batting intent in the middle overs remain a concern for the Dhoni-mentored side.
