Why CSK Failed in IPL 2025

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are one of the most successful teams in IPL history. They have won the title five times and have reached the playoffs in most seasons. But in 2025, something has gone wrong. For the second time in a row, CSK have failed to reach the top four. This year, they are out of the tournament even before playing all their matches. Let’s take a closer look at why the team is not doing well.

Slow Batting in the Powerplay

One of the main reasons for CSK’s poor performance is their slow start while batting. In T20 cricket, it is important to score fast in the first six overs (called the Powerplay). But CSK’s top-order batsmen — Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, and Ruturaj Gaikwad — are not big hitters. They take time to settle, which slows down the scoring rate.

Most teams score about 55 to 60 runs in the Powerplay. But CSK has been scoring only around 45 runs. This puts pressure on the rest of the team to score quickly in the later overs. Things got worse when Ruturaj Gaikwad got injured after just five matches. Without him, the top order looked even weaker.

Poor Team Selection in the Auction

CSK’s team selection during the auction was not very smart. In the past, they picked experienced players who were released by other teams — like Ambati Rayudu, Shane Watson, or Robin Uthappa — and those players did well for them. But this time, the same method did not work.

They picked players like Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, R Ashwin, and Sam Curran, who have not been playing well in recent seasons. At the same time, CSK did not trust young Indian talent. Other teams backed young players early and gave them chances. CSK waited too long. When they finally gave chances to youngsters like Shaik Rasheed, Ayush Mhatre, and Dewald Brevis, it was already too late to make a difference.

The MS Dhoni Question

MS Dhoni is the most famous and loved player in CSK’s history. He has led the team for many years and brought them great success. But in 2025, Dhoni is 43 years old and has some fitness issues. He cannot run as fast or hit the ball as powerfully as before. He usually comes to bat after the 15th over, which limits his impact.

Opposition teams have found his weakness. They bowl spin when Dhoni is at the crease, and he struggles to score quickly. In one match, Punjab Kings saved Yuzvendra Chahal for the 19th over to bowl against Dhoni — and it worked. While Dhoni’s captaincy skills are still respected, many experts believe he could help the team more as a mentor or coach, instead of playing on the field.

Bowling Troubles at the End of the Innings

Another big issue for CSK has been their bowling in the final overs. They trusted Matheesha Pathirana, a fast bowler from Sri Lanka, to bowl in the death overs. In previous seasons, he bowled yorkers and slower balls very well. But this year, he has not been in good form.

Pathirana has bowled too many wide balls and has been expensive, giving away more than 10 runs per over. Without him performing well, CSK have struggled to stop runs at the end of the innings. Their other bowlers have also not been able to fill the gap.

Lack of Young Local Players

CSK have not produced many young Indian stars in recent years. Ruturaj Gaikwad is the only player from their setup who has done well. On the other hand, teams like Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians have found young talent like Sai Sudharsan, Priyansh Arya, and Naman Dhir.

Sai Sudharsan is from Tamil Nadu, CSK’s home state, but he is now playing for another team. This shows that CSK’s talent scouting is not working well. They need to find and support young local players who can be the future of the team

What Next for CSK?

Chennai Super Kings need to make some bold changes. They have always been loyal to their players, especially experienced ones. But T20 cricket is changing fast. Teams need young, fit, and fearless players who can adapt quickly.

CSK must look at new strategies — both on and off the field. They may need to plan for life after Dhoni, invest in young talent, and update their playing style. Their fans are loyal, and they want to see the team back to winning ways. But for that to happen, CSK must first accept that the old ways are no longer working.

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