Why are Chennai Super Kings struggling in IPL 2025?

Why are Chennai Super Kings struggling in IPL 2025? - MS Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad (Source: BCCI)

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won their first match in the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, they have suffered three consecutive defeats since then.

The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side defeated the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai in their opening encounter. However, the Men in Yellow have since lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Delhi Capitals (DC).

The Super Kings are languishing at No. 9 on the points table with a net run rate (NRR) of -1.612. Their next clash is against the Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh on Tuesday, April 8. In this analysis, CricTracker looks at some aspects that are not clicking for the five-time champions in the ongoing season.

What is wrong with Chennai Super Kings? 3. Rachin Ravindra's sudden dip in form Rachin-Ravindra. (Photo Source: IPL/X)

Rachin Ravindra had been in stunning form coming into the tournament. He was the leading run-getter in the Champions Trophy, amassing 263 runs from four games, and was also the Player of the Tournament. Chennai opted to play him ahead of the Kiwi teammate and more experienced Devon Conway, hoping to cash in on the all-rounder's form.

Ravindra started the 2025 season with a match-winning half-century against Mumbai. He followed it up with a 31-ball 41 against RCB. However, in the last two games, he has registered scores of 0 and 3. Rahul Tripathi opened in the first three games for the former champions. However, he looked a pale shadow of his former self. In the last encounter, CSK played Conway at the top of the order, along with Ravindra. Nonetheless, both batters failed to make a mark.

2. Struggling middle-order Shivam Dube. (Source -IPL/BCCI)

Chennai's middle-order has not lived up to expectations as yet. Batters from No. 4 to No. 7 have contributed just 283 runs at an average of 21.76 and a strike rate of 116.94. The only half-century came from Vijay Shankar in the last game.

Shivam Dube's indifferent form has been a massive dampener for Chennai this season. The Mumbai-born had been in consistent performer for CSK since joining a few seasons back. However, he has only managed 64 runs from four innings in IPL 2025. CSK fans will hope to see the 31-year-old back among the runs, as he can win matches by himself with the ability to hit sixes at will.

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1. MS Dhoni's form, fitness, and mindset KL-Rahul-and-MS-Dhoni. (Photo source: IPL)

enthralled the crowd with his aggressive batting in IPL 2024, as he finished with an awe-inspiring strike rate of 220.55. However, he only faced 73 balls in 11 innings. This season, the story has been entirely different. Fans were bemused to see the legendary cricketer coming in to bat at No. 9 after Ravichandran Ashwin in the game against RCB. After that game, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming revealed that Dhoni cannot bat 10 overs as his knees aren't what they used to be.

While Dhoni promoted himself to No. 7 in the last two games, he has not been able to turn back the clock like last season(s). His unbeaten knock of 30 off 26 balls in a losing cause against Delhi Capitals has garnered criticism, with experts pointing out his lack of intent. CSK scored just 11 runs from overs 16 and 17, taking the required run-rate from 15.60 to 22.33. Vijay Shankar also played a peculiar knock, finishing unbeaten on 69 off 54 balls with a strike rate of 127.78. Dhoni has been excellent behind the stumps with his glove work. However, the 43-year-old will have to contribute more with the bat, especially if the middle-order continues to falter.