Chennai Super Kings is facing a turbulent phase in the ongoing IPL 2025, with four consecutive defeats casting a shadow over their campaign. The recent setback of losing in-form opener and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad due to an elbow fracture has only increased the team’s struggles. In response, the franchise has once again turned to the seasoned shoulders of MS Dhoni, hoping his return as captain might inspire a turnaround.
CSK head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed that MS Dhoni will lead the side for the remainder of the season, starting with their upcoming clash at Chepauk against the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders.
Despite the excitement among fans, the former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa expressed concerns over the team’s form and depth. Reflecting on the current scenario, he emphasised that simply reinstating MS Dhoni as captain may not be a silver bullet for the five-time champions. According to Robin Uthappa, filling the void left by Ruturaj Gaikwad is no easy task, particularly when he is the only batter who seems to be in good form and the team is already grappling with broader structural issues.
Robin Uthappa pointed out that while Devon Conway showed promise with a steady knock of 69* against Punjab and Rachin Ravindra has had brief flashes of potential, the batting unit still appears unsettled. The team’s overall form mirrors this inconsistency, with CSK currently languishing near the bottom of the points table — ranked ninth with only two points from five games and a worrying net run rate of -0.889.
MS Dhoni’s leadership will undoubtedly bring a sense of calm and experience but Chennai’s road to recovery hinges on more than just captaincy. The team needs to regroup and realign its strategy if they are to break this streak of losses. Players like Shivam Dube, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra will need to consistently contribute with the bat, especially in the absence of their most reliable scorer this season.
On the bowling front, the setup remains largely unchanged. The pace attack led by Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Choudhary and Matheesha Pathirana has the potential to make inroads, while the spin trio of R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Noor Ahmad will be crucial in containing runs and taking key wickets in the middle overs.
As CSK gears up to face KKR under the familiar leadership of Dhoni, the franchise and its fans are holding onto hope. The coming games will test not just their resilience but also the depth and adaptability of a team that has often been defined by its ability to bounce back from adversity.
