CRICKET
CSK failed to capitalize on the powerplay in most matches. Their inability to start strong put pressure on the middle order.
The 180+ score has become the new norm in IPL. CSK failed to chase high totals or post big scores despite favorable batting conditions. No strong opening pair, no momentum in the middle overs, and no impactful finisher led to repeated collapses.
MS Dhoni, known as a legendary finisher, struggled due to injuries and age (43). Limited to batting late and often came in at No. 8 or No. 9.
His stats this season: 11, 6, 4, 26, 1, 27, 30, 16, 30*, 0. Stephen Fleming confirmed Dhoni can't bat for more than 10 overs due to physical limitations.
CSK's strength used to be its experienced squad, but age caught up. In a sudden shift, CSK brought in several young players like Shaik Rashid (20), Ayush Mhatre (17), and Anshul Kamboj (23).
These players lacked experience and exposure. The transition from old to new wasn't phased and backfired under pressure.
Chepauk was once CSK’s fortress due to its spin-friendly surface. This year, rivals like RCB and SRH cracked the Chepauk code. Teams countered spin in the middle overs and took aggressive approaches. The pitch strategy backfired, especially as CSK's spinners underperformed.
Batting: Opening pair Ruturaj-Rachin failed; Tripathi, Hooda, Shankar underperformed. Bowling: Curran, Overton, Pathirana, Ashwin all had forgettable seasons. Fielding: Frequent dropped catches, missed run-outs, and sloppy fielding hurt their chances.
CSK used 21 players throughout the season but couldn’t find a consistent XI. CSK's failure in IPL 2025 is a mix of poor strategy, unplanned transitions, and dip in individual performances.
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