CSK’s Historic Downfall in IPL 2025
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), a dominant force in IPL history, faced an unprecedented decline in the 2025 season. After ten matches, they became the first team to be officially eliminated from playoff contention, a shocking reality for a franchise known for its legacy.
Struggles with Leadership and Strategy
With only two wins against eight losses, this season has been defined by missed chances and poor decisions. The injury to captain Ruturaj Gaikwad early in the season severely disrupted their momentum. Fans hoped for a revival when MS Dhoni reassumed captaincy mid-season, but even his presence couldn’t spark the necessary change. The challenges facing CSK extend beyond leadership adjustments.
Inability to Adapt
Despite acquiring new players like Dewald Brevis and Ayush Mhatre mid-season, CSK remained anchored to outdated strategies incompatible with modern T20 cricket. Their failure to embrace a high-risk approach hindered their performance. Notably, the team often struggled during the powerplay, failing to surpass 50 runs in the first six overs six times, which is the highest by any team this season. Their powerplay run rate of 7.91 was the lowest recorded.
Batting Woes
CSK’s batting lineup underperformed significantly. Up until their match against PBKS on April 30, they hadn’t scored over 200 runs while batting first. Their innings reflected caution rather than aggression, making it easy for opponents to dominate. Key batsmen like Shivam Dube, Rachin Ravindra, and MS Dhoni failed to deliver substantial scores, combining for only three fifties in total.
Bowling Challenges
Traditionally strong in spin bowling, CSK’s spin lineup, including Jadeja, R. Ashwin, and Noor Ahmad, didn’t meet expectations. While Noor started strong, his performance declined throughout the tournament. Khaleel Ahmed shone as the standout pacer, capturing eight wickets in the powerplay, more than any other bowler. However, Matheesha Pathirana, a key player retained with high hopes, struggled to perform.
Mistakes in Auction Strategy
With a substantial Rs 55 crore left after retaining their star players, expectations for CSK were soaring. However, their auction strategy fell flat, as they opted for familiar names over emerging talents. The choice of experienced players like Rahul Tripathi and Deepak Hooda over younger, dynamic options proved detrimental.
The Road Ahead for CSK
This season’s struggles have led to questions about MS Dhoni’s future and whether CSK will evolve or cling to past methods. With a legacy built on stability, the franchise is at a pivotal point, and the choices made in the upcoming months could shape CSK’s path for the next decade.
