“They’re down on confidence, playing it too safe, CSK need to risk it all and go for broke.”
Speaking as an expert on JioHotstar, Clarke didn’t hold back. “The pitch was tough, sure. A bit of seam, some turn. But the way Chennai approached the game, there was no intent. It’s clear they’re low on confidence and just trying to survive, not win,” he said. “Right now, they’re playing conservative cricket, just hoping to stay close instead of pushing for victory. But sometimes, you’ve got to throw the kitchen sink at it. Take the risk. That’s how you spark a turnaround.”
The former Australian captain said confidence can be contagious.
“Confidence, good or bad, is contagious. When you’re winning, it lifts everyone. But when that losing feeling creeps in, it’s tough to shift.”
Clarke’s thoughts were echoed by fellow expert Piyush Chawla, who suggested it might be time to trust youth.
“Maybe it’s time to inject some fresh blood. Someone like Andre Siddarth, a promising middle-order bat, deserves a chance. We’ve seen plenty of Tripathi and Hooda, maybe it’s time for new faces to bring in that spark. Even one or two changes can shift the mood in a dressing room.”
As the tournament heads into a crucial stretch, all eyes also turn to Sunrisers Hyderabad, currently at the bottom of the table. But Michael Clarke believes they’re about to flip the script.
“It’s honestly shocking to see SRH at the bottom,” he said. “That 300-run game? Leave it in the past. This team is too talented. They’ve got a strong core, and I believe Pat Cummins will rally the group. They just need someone to stand up and anchor an innings when required. If they get that, they’ll start climbing the table fast.”
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