Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting coach praised Rachin Ravindra and Deepak Hooda for displaying grace in their recent dismissal from the playing XI in the 2025 Indian Premier League. While Ravindra missed another match, CSK’s last encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Hooda’s selections have been hit-or-miss through the season, getting picked just four out of the nine times until now.
Ravindra had a bright start in the tournament with a pivotal half-century in the first match against Mumbai Indians, while Hooda continued to have a hard time, recording a mere 22 as his highest score. Hussey remarked about how both players accepted the circumstances they were in and kept working hard at their trade. “I really have to give credit to those guys, Rachin and Hooda. Their attitude has been top-notch. Of course, they’re disappointed about being in and out of the team. They could have easily complained and checked out for the rest of the season. But their focus on training and getting better has been impressive. Watching Deepak Hooda work hard these past few weeks, even when younger players got chances over him, he was genuinely happy for them. That says a lot about his character,” Hussey commented before the match.
Additionally, he remarked that Ravindra is keen to work on his game. “Rachin has talked a lot about his choices. He could be upset about being left out or take this time to better himself, try some new shots. If he gets to play again, great. If not, he still wants to use this time to improve, and that really shows his character,” he remarked.
Ravindra was dropped from the side after scoring 191 runs in eight matches at an average of 27.28. CSK chose to start with Ayush Mhatre and Shaikh Rasheed in Ravindra’s absence. It will be interesting to see if CSK will continue with this young pair for their next game against Punjab Kings on Wednesday, April 30, in MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.