In a season that has spiraled into unfamiliar despair, five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) find themselves grappling with an unprecedented crisis. A devastating nine-wicket loss to arch-rivals Mumbai Indians on Sunday has pushed CSK to the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table, with six defeats in just eight matches. This horror run has left fans and pundits alike stunned, as the Yellow Army, known for its dominance and resilience, now faces a monumental task to qualify for the playoffs.
Even the return of the talismanic MS Dhoni to the captaincy, following an injury to regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, has failed to spark a revival. With only six league games remaining, each match is a do-or-die battle for CSK if they harbor any hopes of turning their campaign around. The statistics paint a grim picture: CSK’s net run rate has plummeted, and their batting and bowling units have struggled to find rhythm, a stark contrast to their storied history of consistency.
Adding fuel to the fire, former CSK star Suresh Raina has come out with scathing criticism of the franchise’s approach, particularly targeting their decisions during the IPL 2025 auction. Speaking on Star Sports, Raina expressed his disbelief at the team’s predicament, stating, ‘I have never seen CSK struggle this much. The auction strategy was flawed. There were so many talented players available, young guns like Priyansh Arya, who debuted and smashed a century, yet CSK overlooked them.’ Raina also pointed out the missed opportunities to rope in proven match-winners like Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul, lamenting that other teams have adopted a more aggressive and attacking style of play.
Echoing Raina’s sentiments, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh highlighted the lack of game-changers in the current squad. ‘CSK is a powerhouse, but at the auction, they let go of big names like Pant and Rahul. Among the younger players picked, I don’t seeanyone who can single-handedly turn the tide,’ Harbhajan remarked. The absence of impactful performers has been evident on the field, with CSK failing to post competitive totals or defend modest scores consistently.
As the team heads back to their fortress, the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, they face crucial back-to-back encounters against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings. Historically, Chepauk has been a stronghold for CSK, with the spinning tracks and passionate crowd often proving to be game-changers. However, this beleaguered side will need more than home advantage to salvage their season. A dominant run at home is non-negotiable if they are to breathe life into what has been a forgettable campaign so far.
The road ahead is daunting, but CSK has pulled off miracles in the past under Dhoni’s leadership. Can the Thala inspire a turnaround, or is this the end of an era for one of IPL’s most successful franchises? As the pressure mounts, all eyes will be on Chennai to see if they can defy the odds and script a comeback for the ages.