‘Trust Thala’: CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan’s Rallying Cry to Fans Amid IPL 2025 Struggles
In the ever-dramatic landscape of the Indian Premier League (IPL), few teams evoke as much emotion and loyalty as the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Known for their resilience and unparalleled success with five IPL titles, the ‘Yellow Army’ finds itself in uncharted waters during IPL 2025. With a dismal record of just two wins from eight matches, CSK languishes at the bottom of the points table in the dreaded 10th spot. For a franchise synonymous with dominance, this slump has left fans heartbroken and critics questioning their form.
The latest blow came against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians, where CSK’s total of 176 runs was chased down with ruthless efficiency in a mere 15.2 overs. This defeat not only dented their net run rate (-0.898 as of April 2025) but also intensified scrutiny over the team’s batting frailties and bowling inconsistencies. With injuries to key players and a lack of momentum, the road to the playoffs seems steeper than ever for the defending champions of 2021.
Amidst this storm, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan stepped forward to address the mounting concerns during an emotional interaction at a fan event in Chennai on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Acknowledging the fans’ disappointment, he urged patience and faith in the team’s ability to turn things around, drawing parallels to historic comebacks that have defined CSK’s legacy.
“We understand the disappointment among our fans with CSK’s performance this year. Tough phases are inevitable in a long tournament like the IPL. Yes, we aren’t playing our best cricket right now, but I assure you, the team is working hard to bounce back in the upcoming matches,” Viswanathan stated with conviction. He invoked memories of the 2010 IPL season, a year when CSK lost five consecutive games before orchestrating a stunning turnaround to claim their maiden IPL title under the leadership of MS Dhoni, fondly called ‘Thala’ by fans.
“Let’s not forget 2010. We were down and out, losing five in a row, but we came back stronger and lifted the trophy. With someone like Thala steering the ship, I’m confident it’s only a matter of time before we regain our rhythm,” he added, emphasizing the unwavering commitment of the squad. Viswanathan also praised the contributions of players like Shivam Dube, who has scored 245 runs in 8 matches at a strike rate of 155.06 this season, as signs of the team’s latent firepower.
As CSK prepares for their next challenge, the belief within the camp remains unshaken. The franchise has scripted fairytale recoveries in the past, most notably in 2018 when they returned from a two-year suspension to clinch the title, defying all odds. With MS Dhoni—a master of orchestrating miracles—still at the helm, writing off the Super Kings could prove costly for doubters. Whether they can defy the odds once again in IPL 2025 remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: CSK isn’t ready to surrender without a fight.
So, to the legion of CSK fans chanting ‘Whistle Podu’ across the globe, Viswanathan’s message is clear—‘Trust Thala’. History whispers hope, and with six matches still to play, a yellow storm might just be brewing on the horizon. Can Dhoni and his men rewrite the script one more time?