CSK's Tough Season Marks a Beginning and an End

It was a struggling season for Chennai Super Kings during the 2025 Indian Premier League. They were a step behind this season where they wished to be. In most matches, they were having good innings and moments of brilliance but some way or other something would happen at the worst possible moment. It seemed that despite their efforts, they couldn't turn it completely in their direction. A particular moment aptly described everything. Punjab Kings required a single run to seal the game, and Marco Jansen mistimed a shot to the stumps. MS Dhoni dove to cut it out but was miles off. The image was like CSK's season. So close yet not close enough.

This was the second consecutive year that CSK did not make it to the playoffs. That had never occurred before and it clearly indicated that something needed to change. Although the team was eliminated you could see Dhoni maintaining his composure. He clapped for his team at the end and walked off in silence. That gesture demonstrated leadership but also finality. Youngsters such as Dewald Brevis and veterans such as Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran stood behind him in the handshake queue. It was a time when the past and the future of CSK walked together.

One of the good things this season was the batting of CSK in some of the latter matches. Sam Curran had an incredible knock for 88 runs from 47 balls in one match. He displayed his class with dominant shots and astute decisions. His association with Brevis contributed 78 runs in 50 balls. It was the type of batting CSK had lacked throughout the season. But even after posting a good total of 190 that day it was still not enough.

Dhoni later revealed that although the team finally posted a good total it still lacked 15 runs from what was required. He also said that errors in the field dented their chances. They missed catching opportunities and those have a huge bearing on high-pressure games. He added that the wicket that day was among the better ones they had played on at home. Curran too appeared to relish batting on it. Yet they could not finish well.

At the end of that match things went awry. Yuzvendra Chahal turned the game around by taking four wickets in the 19th over. That consisted of Dhoni's wicket and a hat-trick. Also CSK did not face the last four balls of their innings which cost their total. Dhoni pointed out how little things such as losing seven balls in a high-scoring match can lose a game.

On the bowling front CSK's consultant Eric Simons said that although the bowling unit performed well they had to be sharper. Execution of strategy and wise decisions at critical moments were two areas they needed to work on. He emphasized that winning the big overs can turn the course of the game. Teams do lose control at the end sometimes and that is something CSK needs to learn to control better.

Looking ahead the franchise is already planning ahead. Batting coach Michael Hussey discussed the significance of talent scouting. The team is concentrating on identifying and developing young talent much in advance. They have even begun inviting young players to train with them and watch them in practice matches. This provides the team with an opportunity to view how these players handle pressure. As per Hussey the players also wish to take wiser choices in the course of auctions with first-hand knowledge instead of watching video highlights.

The process of grooming younger players for the playing eleven has already been initiated by CSK. Ayush Mhatre and Shaik Rasheed forming the top opening pair has ushered in youthful vigor. They played with fearless intent being part of one of the youngest opening pairs of all time in the history of the IPL. Their style reminded everyone what free and bold cricket is. Hussey stated that the team played closer to itself in the Sunrisers Hyderabad match. Although they lost that game the intent and positivity while batting was an indication of greater things to come.

At the end of the season, numerous fans were asking themselves if Dhoni would be back next year. In response to it at the toss, he smiled and said he didn't know but he would play for the next match. It was not certain but sincere. His retired pads his peaceful demeanor and his bond with the team all indicated the final page of a timeless chapter.

But CSK is not all about a player or a year. Even though this year has been a disappointment, they have already begun making plans for the future. With new young faces and experiences gained the team appears poised to reboot. Though it seemed like the end it also appeared like a new start.