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Deepak Hooda's IPL 2025 Struggles: A Slow Start for the CSK Middle-Order
Deepak Hooda, the Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) middle-order batsman, has had a disappointing start to IPL 2025. His sluggish knock of 22 runs off 21 balls against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 25th at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai has fueled fan criticism and raised questions about his form.
A String of Low Scores
Hooda's poor performance against SRH follows a string of underwhelming scores: 3 against Mumbai Indians (MI), 4 against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and a duck against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). This inconsistent run comes after CSK acquired him for INR 1.7 crore at last year's mega auction, despite his modest 145 runs in nine innings for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2024.
Fan Reactions and Online Criticism
Fans on X (formerly Twitter) have been vocal in their disappointment. Many criticized his low strike rate and questioned his place in the team. Some comments were scathing, reflecting the frustration with his consistent underperformance.
Overall IPL Performance
Despite the recent slump, Hooda boasts a respectable overall IPL record with 1494 runs in 100 innings, including eight half-centuries. However, his average of 17.78 highlights the inconsistency that has plagued his career.
CSK's Overall Performance and Hooda's Role
CSK themselves are struggling in IPL 2025, sitting near the bottom of the points table. While Hooda's underperformance is a concern, it's part of a larger issue facing the team. Their batting lineup has lacked consistency, and the pressure is on to find a winning combination before the playoffs.
Looking Ahead
With the playoffs still a possibility, the pressure is on Hooda to rediscover his form and contribute significantly for CSK. Whether he can turn things around and justify his high price tag remains to be seen. His performance in the remaining matches will be crucial for both his personal confidence and CSK's chances of reaching the postseason.
