IPL 2025: What is Ailing CSK?

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, find themselves in unfamiliar territory this season.  It is not as if it has never been at the bottom of the table or thereabouts. But just that the brand of cricket that it is dishing out this season has been so flat and spiritless that it has become a laughing stock on social media platforms.

The franchise with one of the most committed fan following is, in that sense, in unfamiliar territory. With just one win in its first five matches, the five-time champions are languishing near the bottom of the points table. Martin Johnson, the famed English writer, said of one England team: "Can't bat. Can't bowl. Can't field". That is now true of this vintage of CSK.

Its batting lineup has been their Achilles' heel this season. The team has been overly dependent on skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has struggled to replicate his past consistency. While Gaikwad started the season with a match-winning half-century against Mumbai Indians, his subsequent performances have been underwhelming.

The opening partnership, a critical component of any T20 side, has been a major concern. The combination of Rachin Ravindra and Rahul Tripathi failed to deliver in the first three games, averaging a paltry 8.3 runs per partnership. Even the decision to bring in Devon Conway as an opener has not yielded the desired results, as he has struggled to accelerate in the powerplay. The middle order, once CSK's strength, has been inconsistent at best. Shivam Dube, who was expected to play the role of a finisher, has failed to make an impact. His inability to rotate the strike and accelerate in the death overs has put additional pressure on the lower order. Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has not been able to provide the impetus needed in crucial moments. His strike rate of 110 this season is a far cry from his usual standards.

The legendary MS Dhoni, now 43, continues to draw the loudest cheers wherever he goes, but his performances have also drawn jeering whistles. His role as a finisher has come under scrutiny, with critics questioning whether he can still deliver in high-pressure situations.

CSK's bowling attack has been another area of concern. While Khaleel Ahmed and Matheesha Pathirana have shown glimpses of their ability, the lack of a consistent wicket-taker has hurt the team. The spinners, led by Ravichandran Ashwin, have struggled to contain runs in the middle overs, often allowing opposition batters to build momentum. Only the Afghan Noor Ahmed has been impressive.

Fielding, traditionally a strong suit for CSK, has been sloppy this season. Dropped catches and misfields have cost the team dearly, as seen in its recent loss to Punjab Kings. Mukesh Choudhary's unfortunate non-catch catch of Priyansh Arya proved to be a turning point in the game.  CSK has dropped 12 catches this season, including five against PBKS on Tuesday - the most catches dropped by any team in this tournament. 

Head coach Stephen Fleming has faced criticism for some of the team's tactical decisions. The insistence on 'taking the game deep,' even when the required run rate is climbing, has baffled fans and analysts alike. The decision to persist with out-of-form players  has also raised eyebrows. The reluctance to blood youngsters as the season looks lost is baffling.

With four consecutive losses, CSK's playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. The team needs a quick turnaround, starting with a more aggressive approach in their batting and sharper execution in the field. However, time is running out for the Men in Yellow.