IPL 2025: MS Dhoni’s Return as Captain Leaves CSK Struggling

As IPL 2025 progresses, Chennai Super Kings (CSK)—the defending champions—have faltered. Despite a green-initiative planting a sapling for every dot ball, CSK have managed just one win in six matches, including three home losses. A viral meme depicting MA Chidambaram Stadium swallowed by jungle perfectly captures fan frustration.

CSK’s Problems: A Bad Start to IPL 2025

CSK’s early-season record:

Matches played: 6
Wins: 1
Home losses: 3

This sluggish performance has left fans dismayed and questioning the team’s direction.

The Big Issue: MS Dhoni’s Captaincy

MS Dhoni’s much-anticipated return as CSK captain has come under scrutiny:

In a recent match against KKR, CSK were bowled out for 103. Dhoni only came in at No. 9, surprising fans and pundits alike. Former CSK spinner Harbhajan Singh argued that if Dhoni bats so low, “he shouldn’t even be playing.”

Dhoni’s Batting Position

No. 9 batting slot vs. expectations as finisher
Strategic impact on CSK’s chase approach

Dhoni’s Form: Is He Still a Match-Winner?

Dhoni’s performance metrics this season highlight concerns:

Average in wins: 3
Average in losses: 40
Weakness vs. spin: evident struggles
Running between wickets: fewer quick singles than before

These numbers suggest Dhoni may no longer single-handedly secure victories.

Has CSK’s Strategy Become Outdated?

CSK’s traditional tactic—conserve wickets in middle overs, explode at death—now clashes with more aggressive opponents. Reliance on veterans like Rahul Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, and Ravichandran Ashwin has underdelivered, while young talents (Nikitha Pawan, Shaik Rasheed, Vansh Bedi, Andre Siddarth) await promotion.

CSK’s Future: Keep the Old Players or Try New Faces?

The debate rages among fans and punters:

Stick with experience: hope for veterans to rediscover form
Blood young talent: inject fresh energy and unpredictability

IPL Betting: What Should You Bet on for CSK?

For IPL bettors, consider these markets:

Match Winner
- Bet against CSK until form improves.
Top Batsman (CSK)
- Ruturaj Gaikwad or Devon Conway over Dhoni.
Most Sixes
- Moeen Ali or Ruturaj Gaikwad as power hitters.
Top Bowler (CSK)
- Deepak Chahar or Maheesh Theekshana in a struggling batting side.

Can CSK Turn Things Around?

CSK supporters hope for strategic tweaks:

Reevaluate batting order
Promote in-form youngsters
Adapt middle-over approach

MS Dhoni’s leadership and form remain under the microscope. Whether CSK can regain top form will define their IPL 2025 campaign.

Stay tuned for more IPL updates and betting tips as the season unfolds!