The numbers tell the story that words can't.
This is the first time CSK has lost 3 matches on the trot at its one-time citadel, the Chepauk.
This is the first time in the storied history of CSK in the IPL that it has lost five matches consecutively.
Worse, the margin of defeats in terms of balls --- 59 --- is the worst in CSK's history. Its previous biggest defeat was by 46 balls against MI in 2020 while defending its total of 114.
Its score of 103 for 9 against KKR was its lowest at the MA Chidambaram stadium, and its third lowest score ever across different grounds.
The 71 runs that CSK conceded in its bowling powerplay is the second-highest it has conceded in this phase in the IPL at Chepauk.
So, everything that can get bad for CSK has actually gotten worse. The silver-lining for its beleaguered fans is: Things can't get any lower than it did last night at Chepauk against KKR, who did not have to do anything extraordinary. It just showed up on the field while the CSK players plumbed new depths.
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are facing a challenging IPL 2025 season, and several factors have contributed to their struggles. Here's a detailed analysis of what seems to be going wrong:
Just listing out CSK's problems this season is exhausting: Its batting lineup has been underwhelming, with almost all the players failing to deliver consistently. The team has struggled to build partnerships, leading to low scores in crucial matches. The injury to captain Rituraj Gaikwad meant there was a chance for CSK to blood a youngster like, say Andre Siddharth. But no, the CSK think-tank was loath to change and it went for Rahul Tripathi who has proved to be a mistaken buy this season. He had a 22-ball 16 last night.
The bowling unit too has lacked penetration, especially in the middle overs. Opposing teams have capitalised on this, building momentum and chasing down targets with ease. Not that the CSK batting unit has looked like it is capable of chasing targets or setting up one on its own.
The truth is all franchises go through bad phases. This is true of the IPL. It is true across sports. The point is the CSK management seems very reluctant to embrace new ideas. Questionable team selections and strategies have raised eyebrows. With five losses in six matches, CSK is languishing near the bottom of the points table. Its negative net run rate further complicates the situation. To turn things around, CSK will need to address these issues urgently.
Adversity, especially in sporting contexts, is opportunity. This season is, for all practical purposes, gone for CSK., It must use this chance to try out new, young players to identify the core for the coming seasons.
That is the most practical thing to do in the circumstances.