“I am crystal clear that he should not be picked in the XI” - Harbhajan Singh wants CSK batter to be dropped from the XI

Former Indian cricketer and commentator, Harbhajan Singh, has lashed out at the Chennai Super Kings opening batter Rahul Tripathi, who has been under-performing, in the IPL 2025 season.

The CSK team management has given him opportunities in three consecutive games this season against MI, RCB and RR. Tripathi could score only 30 runs from three innings, raising doubts on his form. Moreover, Bhajji isn’t too convinced with the team combination as well.

"Chennai lost back-to-back matches. They are making too many mistakes. First, they are playing Rahul Rahul Tripathi as an opener. Tripathi is shaking his body more but not scoring runs,” Harbhajan Singh said on his YouTube Channel.

"Sorry, Tripathi is a very good player, very hard-working, but I am crystal clear that he should not be picked in the XI. If you are shaking too much while batting then when will you see the ball? - runs are not coming and the intent is also not visible at the moment from him,” he added.

Interestingly, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, the designated opening batter, has sacrificed his opening spot for Rahul Tripathi, who couldn’t create a significant impact so far. Notably, CSK suffered two consecutive losses in three games this season.

"Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is a proper opener, has sacrificed himself at number 3 for Tripathi. The opening pair has always been a big strength for Chennai Super Kings, be it Matthew Hayden, Dwayne Smith, Brendon McCullum, or even Devon Conway," he stated.

Moreover, Harbhajan Singh isn’t impressed with the playing XI CSK has opted for so far. Before concluding his statement, Singh asserted that Tripathi shouldn't be a part of the XI for CSK to get back to winning ways.

"Conway is also in the team, but he is not getting the chance in the XI. They have been clueless so far while picking the XI. I don't think Tripathi should get a place in the XI, but Conway definitely does,” Harbhajan concluded.

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