"No Intent, No Hunger To Win": Suresh Raina Slams CSK's Approach After 6 Defeats In 8 Games

Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) performances have been disappointing in IPL 2025, with the franchise sitting rock bottom of the points table after eight matches, of which they have lost six. Former India cricketer and CSK legend Suresh Raina, meanwhile, has continued the criticism of his old team. Raina has pointed out the lack of local players in CSK's squad, stating that this side is the weakest the franchise has ever had, and that it has veered away from its brand of cricket.

"This is the weakest CSK team, definitely. I think there's no intent. The hunger to win is not there. Not to disrespect anyone, but the brand that CSK is known for, that's not there now," Raina said on his Instagram, in a chat with Harbhajan Singh.

Raina questioned why CSK does not have many players from its home state of Tamil Nadu despite several talented players playing in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL).

"Look at how local players who have played in TNPL are doing. B Sai Sudharsan is doing well, he is playing for Gujarat Titans. R Sai Kishore and Shahrukh Khan are also playing for GT. You have to bring local players," Raina further said.

"When we were winning, we had the likes of Murali Vijay, L Balaji, S Badrinath, myself, MS Dhoni, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. When you don't bring local flavour, it doesn't work," he added.

CSK's veterans have struggled for form this season, with the likes of Ravindra Jadeja (Rs 18 crore) and R Ashwin (Rs 9.75 crore) not performing as expected.

On the other hand, CSK's younger players have also not been able to deliver on a regular basis. Highly-rated overseas players like Rachin Ravindra and Matheesha Pathirana haven't performed as well as previous seasons.

Raina also criticised CSK's approach in IPL 2025,