Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan acknowledged the hurt and disappointment among the franchise’s fans due to their poor performances in IPL 2025. However, the senior administrator remained optimistic that CSK would improve in the upcoming games.
He also said that a team led by MS Dhoni can never be ruled out, expressing hope for a turnaround reminiscent of the 2010 season.
Chennai Super Kings are languishing at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table, having suffered six defeats in their first eight matches. CSK have looked the weakest of the lot, struggling for intent with the bat and rhythm with the ball.
On Sunday, CSK were hammered by Mumbai Indians. Their total of 176 after batting first proved well below par, as Mumbai chased it down in just 15.2 overs, further damaging the Super Kings’ already sinking Net Run Rate.
The top order has failed to fire despite uncharacteristic personnel changes, and the middle order has lacked punch. The injury to Ruturaj Gaikwad brought MS Dhoni back into the captaincy role, but CSK have sorely missed their best batter this season. The likes of Shivam Dube and MS Dhoni have been left to shoulder the pressure of finishing strongly in the death overs.
CSK have also struggled to find the right bowling combination, even after eight games into the season.
“All of you will be a little bit disappointed with the performance of CSK this year. Of course, it’s bound to happen. We have had earlier also. We know that we are not playing good cricket as of now. But, we hope that in the coming matches, we should be able to do better. We have got someone of the calibre of Shivam Dube here. He has been doing so well over the years. And with someone like Thala being at the helm, it’s only a question of time before we come back,” Kasi Viswanathan said during an event in Chennai on Tuesday, 22 April.
“Of course, we remember the year 2010. We lost five games in a row and went on to win the cup. That was the first year we won the title. I am sure the boys are committed. The team is committed. I am sure we will come up with better performances in the upcoming matches,” he added.
HAVE CSK GIVEN UP?
In IPL 2010, CSK were in the bottom half of the table with just two wins from their first seven matches. However, MS Dhoni’s men turned things around in spectacular fashion, going on to win their first of five IPL titles by beating Mumbai Indians in the final.
However, in IPL 2025, CSK appear to lack the firepower or confidence in their demoralised batting and bowling units to mount a similar comeback.
that the team may be looking ahead to the next season by testing their bench strength and searching for the right combinations. Dhoni admitted that the road back this season would be tough, as CSK must win all six of their remaining matches to stay in the race for a playoff spot.
“With all the games in front of us that we are supposed to win, we’ll just take it one game at a time. If we lose a few, what will be important for us is to get the right combination for next year,” Dhoni said.
CSK will look to return to winning ways when they take on SunRisers Hyderabad in their next fixture on Friday, 25 April, in Chennai.