CSK’s IPL 2025 struggles: What’s broken and what needs fixing for a turnaround

On Wednesday at Chepauk, when MS Dhoni dived in vain for a Marco Jansen under-edge that trickled away for Punjab’s winning runs, it felt like more than just the end of a match and CSK’s hopes of making it to the last four stage — it felt like the symbolic end of an era. Chennai Super Kings, the IPL’s most consistent side across 17 seasons, now sit at the bottom of the table with just two wins in ten games. For the first time ever, they’ve missed the playoffs in two successive years. This isn’t just a blip. It’s a full-blown crisis.

The problems with CSK in 2025 are not cosmetic — they are structural. This isn’t about form; it’s about strategy. The once-indomitable franchise finds itself stuck between eras, unwilling to fully move on from its glorious past and not quite ready to embrace the demands of the modern game. The result  — a confused, underpowered, underperforming team.

Dhoni’s enduring influence: A double-edged sword

While Ruturaj Gaikwad was appointed captain for the season, an elbow injury has seen Dhoni reassume leadership duties. At 43, Dhoni’s tactical acumen and wicketkeeping prowess remain commendable. However, his continued presence as a player seems to anchor CSK to a bygone era. His on-field role has become symbolic rather than substantive.

Dhoni plays down the order, often facing just a handful of deliveries, and yet his presence dictates selection, strategy, and most crucially, mindset. CSK still plays with the caution and conservatism that defined their success in a slower-paced era of T20 cricket. But this is 2025—and the dynamics of the game have moved on.

In a league where teams win matches in powerplays and death overs with aggressive batting, CSK’s approach, influenced by Dhoni’s conservative instincts, often feels a decade behind. Yes, Dhoni is still revered. But nostalgia doesn’t win titles.

His presence—still central to CSK’s identity—has, in many ways, slowed the franchise’s evolution. For CSK to build towards a new era, Dhoni must finally bid farewell as a player and settle into a mentor’s role, guiding from the dugout instead of behind the stumps.

Powerplay woes: A top-order crisis

Much of CSK’s underwhelming campaign can be traced back to their batters’ persistent struggles in the powerplay. Their average score in the first six overs stands at just 43 — the lowest among all teams in IPL 2025 — and they have managed only two 50+ opening partnerships across ten matches. In a tournament increasingly dictated by strong starts, CSK have been left playing catch-up far too often.

The inconsistency of Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway hasn’t helped. While both possess technical class, neither has managed to stamp authority at the top. Conway’s patchy form and Rachin’s lack of impact in the powerplay have been major concerns. Add to that the injury to regular skipper Gaikwad — one of their more settled top-order batters — and CSK found themselves scrambling for a reliable opening combination.

Initially, they even experimented with Rahul Tripathi at the top, but the move failed to yield results. The eventual pairing of young Ayush Mhatre and Shaik Rasheed — now the second-youngest opening duo in IPL history — brought some stability, but not the explosiveness required in the modern T20 game. Both have shown glimpses of promise but have lacked the consistency needed to dominate the powerplay.

Crucially, CSK never adequately replaced the aggressive quality of former openers like Shane Watson or Faf du Plessis — players who could seize the game in the powerplay and dictate terms.

Ultimately, their inability to lock down a productive, aggressive top three has heaped pressure on the middle order from the outset — a fundamental flaw in a format that increasingly rewards early intent.

Middle-order malaise: Over-reliance on Dube

CSK’s middle order has been overly reliant on Shivam Dube who, despite his six-hitting prowess, has struggled for consistency this season. Averaging 31 with a strike rate of 132.62, Dube’s contributions have not been enough to bail the team out of challenging situations.

The late inclusion of Dewald Brevis and a standout 88 off 47 from Sam Curran against Punjab offered glimpses of what the middle order could be capable of, but such performances have been few and far between. Ravindra Jadeja’s role with the bat has also lacked consistency, further highlighting the vulnerability of this crucial segment of the batting line-up.

Crucially, CSK missed a trick in the mega auction by not aggressively pursuing a proven middle-order power-hitter—someone who could consistently shift gears and take on bowlers in the middle and death overs. The lack of a reliable enforcer in that role has left the team exposed, especially when early wickets fall and the innings requires rebuilding without losing momentum.

Bowling: Talent without precision

The bowling unit has been a mixed bag, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by overall inconsistency. While Noor Ahmad and Khaleel Ahmed have shown promise, the attack has lacked the penetration needed to consistently trouble opposition batsmen. Matheesha Pathirana, once a key weapon, has seen his effectiveness diminish as batters have adapted to his slingy action. The inability to take wickets at crucial junctures has often allowed opponents to win key moments of the games.

CSK have recorded the second-worst economy rate in the final five overs this season—conceding 11.2 runs per over—a damning statistic in a format where effective death bowling often determines the outcome. The figures reflect a broader issue — the bowling unit has appeared more reactive than proactive, lacking the precision and planning required to close out innings under pressure.

Charting a new course: Embracing change

The silver lining for CSK is their recognition of the problem. Head coach Stephen Fleming and the management have admitted the need for a major overhaul. To move forward, the franchise must focus on three key areas.

Wicketkeeper-batter succession: With Dhoni likely to retire, CSK must stop delaying the inevitable. Identifying a long-term wicketkeeper-batter is non-negotiable. Whether it’s backing a young domestic talent like Ramakrishna Ghosh or aggressively targeting a proven T20 finisher in the next auction, this vacancy must be filled with intent and urgency.

Powerplay firepower at the top: CSK desperately need aggressive openers who can exploit the fielding restrictions and set the tone early. Ravindra is a possible in-house option if used decisively, but the team must also scout internationally for high-impact players with strike rates above 140 in the first six overs.

Leadership evolution: The time has come to build a new leadership core. Ruturaj Gaikwad should be given full control once fit, while Sam Curran and Dewald Brevis must be entrusted with bigger roles—not just on the field but within the team’s strategic and cultural framework. CSK can no longer afford to run on past legacies.

Conclusion: Honouring the past, building the future

CSK’s storied history is a testament to their resilience and success. However, clinging to past glories at the expense of progress risks diminishing their legacy. A strategic pivot, embracing innovation and youthful exuberance, is essential for the franchise to reclaim its stature in the IPL.

The time has come for CSK to honour their past by investing in their future.