Who would have thought that the five-time IPL champion Chennai Super Kings would find themself struggling at the bottom of the points table mid-season? Unfortunately , it is true! The Men in Yellow, under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad, have suffered yet another loss in the ongoing edition of the cash-rich tournament. From injury to CSK captain Gaikwad to poor performances by senior players, Super Kings has faced it all but victory.
One would usually expect a display of dominance in CSK matches. But this time it looks like, the Chennai team is commencing towards their worst IPL season EVER!
Incapable players? Out of form Captain? Poor captaincy? Struggling bowlers? What is it that is not working well for the team? Let us find the answer in this article!
Chennai Super Kings Worst Performance in IPL History
Who would have thought that the five-time IPL champion Chennai Super Kings would find themself struggling at the bottom of the points table mid-season? Unfortunately , it is true! The Men in Yellow, under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad, have suffered yet another loss in the ongoing edition of the cash-rich tournament. From injury to CSK captain Gaikwad to poor performances by senior players, Super Kings has faced it all but victory.
One would usually expect a display of dominance in CSK matches. But this time it looks like, the Chennai team is commencing towards their worst IPL season EVER!
Incapable players? Out of form Captain? Poor captaincy? Struggling bowlers? What is it that is not working well for the team? Let us find the answer in this article!
Chennai Super Kings Worst Performance in IPL History
Over the years, under former CSK captain MS Dhoni, Chennai Super Kings have built a legacy as one of the most successful and consistent franchises in IPL history. Boasting five titles and ten final appearances, a record every franchise team must envy. However, even the most successful teams face challenges.
In IPL 2025, CSK is struggling, with consecutive home losses and a faltering batting lineup. Despite their rich history, these early setbacks remind us that every team has its ups and downs.
So far, in the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League, Thala Dhoni’s Kings have played 5 matches. Out of the 5 games, CSK only managed to clinch victory only once. In their inaugural match against Mumbai Indians, team ‘Yellove’ won by 4 wickets in hand. However, this was the only win the team has secured so far.
The most recent defeat against Punjab Kings added salt to the wound. Especially young Priyansh Arya’s innings. Playing his maiden IPL season, Arya scored a top-notch century in just 49 balls. A side that boasts veteran players like R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Noor Ahmed and is blessed with Thala Dhoni’s tactical mindset, succumbed to Arya’s exceptional knock. Plus, the sloppy fielding made things even worse.
"Frustrating, Poor": 'Concerned' CSK Coach Stephen Fleming Pinpoints Reason Behind Defeat
Chennai Super Kings’ struggles in IPL 2025 continued as sloppy fielding cost them yet another match, leaving head coach Stephen Fleming visibly frustrated. Despite showing signs of improvement with the bat, CSK’s dropped catches and missed opportunities proved costly, allowing their opponents to seize control of the game.
The match could have gone differently if not for a series of fielding lapses. Priyansh Arya, who went on to smash a blistering 39-ball century, was given two lifelines, first by Khaleel Ahmed early on and then by Mukesh Choudhary in the 12th over. To make matters worse, Shashank Singh was also dropped in the 17th over, piling on the misery for CSK.
On a brighter note, CSK’s batting finally found some rhythm. Openers Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra provided a fiery start, racing to 61 runs in the powerplay. However, after their dismissals, the middle order failed to maintain the momentum, leaving too much for the lower order to do. MS Dhoni, ever the finisher, injected hope with a quickfire 27 off just 12 balls, but it wasn’t enough as CSK fell short by 18 runs.
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How has CSK Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad Performed So Far?
Despite the brim hope of betterment, CSK Captain Gaikwad’s performance as a batter is a matter of concern for the management. On top of that, there have been news circulating regarding his injury.
Notably, Ruturaj was awarded the team’s captaincy in the IPL 2024 when former CSK Captain MS Dhoni left the throne. Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy captain Gaikwad in his first edition as the CSK captain, partially proved his mettle with the bat as well as the leader. Leading from the front with immaculate performances, Ruturaj almost took the team to the playoffs. However, after a sorrowful defeat against Bengalore, CSK were eliminated from the playoffs run.
However, this time around, it looks like the captaincy weight is too heavy for the new CSK captain. As he looks to have lost his vigor.
Can CSK Still Qualify for Playoffs?
Although it’s still early in IPL 2025, CSK is already feeling the pressure. A top-order collapse, concerns over the middle-order’s intent, and consecutive home losses point to a potentially challenging season ahead.
However, as the most successful franchise of the IPL, CSK is expected to turn things around.
With MS Dhoni still leading and the team’s history of bouncing back, it might be too soon to count them out.