What's going wrong with Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025?

MS Dhoni - What exactly is wrong with Chennai Super Kings in this IPL 2025? (Photo Source - BCCI)

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have not done justice to their name, aura, and legacy in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The five-time champions have lost five matches in a row for the first time in the IPL. After Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to an elbow injury, MS Dhoni returned as the captain of the side for the first time since the IPL 2023 final. However, under the iconic skipper's captaincy, CSK suffered a humiliating defeat in their most recent clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at home.

After beating Mumbai Indians (MI) in their first game of the season, CSK have not had the taste of success. While the hope of reaching the playoffs is still alive, time is running out with every game, and if there is a comeback in store, it has to begin sooner rather than later. However, CSK's first task will be to figure out their flaws and try to rectify them.

CricTracker lists three things which have not worked for the Chennai-based franchise and suggests ways in which they can redeem themselves.

3. Lack of intent and unpredictable batting lineup KL-Rahul-and-MS-Dhoni. (Photo source: IPL)

CSK have been playing a brand of cricket which is not ideal in modern-day T20 cricket. Keeping wickets at the top and targeting the back end of the innings isn't going to work on most of the venues in the IPL, where runs are being scored for fun. Instead, they should start playing with more intent from the outset and make use of the field restrictions inside the powerplay. CSK openers Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway are quite capable of hitting the big shots and scoring at pace. However, it seems that they are curbing their instincts and trying to play a game which is not their forte.

The lack of intent is evident in the middle-order as well. In some games, the middle-order has looked mediocre. When the likes of Vijay Shankar and Shivam Dube scored runs, they took way too much time to accelerate. MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja, two of the best finishers in the league's history, have not had fixed spots in the batting order. CSK need to sort their batting order and stick with it for a few games at least. Chopping and changing in every game is hurting their chances.

2. Overdependence on seniors Rahul Tripathi Wicket (Source: R. SATISH BABU/AFP via Getty Images)

CSK have always tried to rope in senior cricketers who can help with their experience. Many veterans have had a fresh lease on life, rediscovering their form after joining the franchise. In the hope of something similar, CSK acquired the services of Rahul Tripathi and Deepak Hooda in the IPL 2025 mega-auction. However, this move has not been fruitful. Both the experienced right-handed batters have failed to make it count. While Tripathi has scored just 46 runs at an average of 11.50, Hooda has aggregated seven runs at 2.33 so far.

It's high time CSK gave opportunities to youngsters. They have the 20-year-old Shaik Rasheed in their ranks, who rose to fame during the Under-19 World Cup in the West Indies in 2022. Andre Siddarth, 18, impressed fans by scoring four half-centuries in his first six Ranji Trophy innings in the 2024-25 season. 22-year-old Vansh Bedi is a talented wicketkeeper who CSK can use as a specialist batter and groom for the future.

1. Ashwin, Jadeja struggling to pick wickets Ravindra Jadeja. (Source -IPL/BCCI)

CSK brought back Ravichandran Ashwin to their setup after a decade. The legendary off-spinner, however, has looked a pale shadow of his former self. In six matches, he has only managed five wickets at an average of 39.60. His economy rate is a shade under 10. Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja has not bowled his full quota of overs in any of the games so far. The star all-rounder has only scalped two wickets.

CSK fans will want their star spinners to make more of an impact in the coming games. Noor Ahmad has been spectacular through the middle overs and is the current holder. If Ashwin and Jadeja can give him some support, it will bode well for CSK. Dhoni loves to choke teams by using his spinners wisely. Ashwin and Jadeja returning to form will help the 43-year-old do exactly that.