The 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been one of the most unpredictable editions yet. While franchises like Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad are climbing the points table with consistent performances, Chennai Super Kings (CSK)—a team known for its dominance and playoff consistency—is now facing the harsh possibility of an early elimination.

In a crucial encounter against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium, CSK suffered a crushing 9-wicket defeat, pushing them further down the points table and raising concerns about their playoff chances. With just 2 wins in 8 matches, the five-time IPL champions are currently placed 10th in the standings, struggling with form, team balance, and injury concerns.

This is unfamiliar territory for the MS Dhoni-led franchise, which has historically been a fixture in the IPL playoffs. But can CSK still bounce back, or has the legendary skipper already shifted focus to rebuilding for IPL 2026?

Current Standings: Where CSK Stands in IPL 2025

• Matches Played: 8

• Wins: 2

• Losses: 6

• Points: 4

• Net Run Rate (NRR): -1.392

• Table Position: 10th (last)

This is one of CSK’s worst starts to an IPL season, drawing comparisons to their underwhelming campaigns in 2020 and 2022, when they finished 7th and 9th, respectively.

Can CSK Still Qualify for the IPL 2025 Playoffs?

While CSK’s situation appears bleak, mathematically they are still alive in the playoff race. Here’s the scenario:

• CSK has six matches remaining in the league stage.

• Winning all six games would take their tally to 16 points, which is generally the cutoff for playoff qualification.

• Given their poor NRR, CSK may also need to win some matches by large margins to stand a realistic chance in case of a points tie.

Upcoming Fixtures for CSK in IPL 2025:

• CSK vs SRH – 25 April

• CSK vs PBKS – 30 April

• RCB vs CSK – 3 May

• KKR vs CSK – 7 May

• CSK vs RR – 12 May

• GT vs CSK – 18 May

Every match is a must-win, and CSK must bring out their best performances under pressure to keep their playoff hopes alive.

What’s Going Wrong for CSK in IPL 2025?

Inconsistent Top Order

One of CSK’s major setbacks this season has been the poor form and lack of consistency in the top order. With Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out due to injury, the team has struggled to find a solid opening pair. Newcomers like Shaik Rasheed and Ayush Mhatre have shown promise but lack the experience to shoulder the innings consistently.

Weak Middle Order and Lack of Firepower

Veteran players like Devon Conway, Ravindra Jadeja, and MS Dhoni have failed to make substantial contributions. Dhoni, especially, has chosen to bat lower down the order, often leaving too much to be done in the final few overs. This lack of initiative has cost the team crucial matches.

Poor Auction Strategy

CSK’s auction decisions ahead of the 2025 season have drawn criticism. The franchise failed to secure strong backups and did not plan effectively for injuries. The lack of quality all-rounders and depth in the batting lineup has left the team vulnerable.

Ineffective Bowling Attack

Despite having experienced bowlers, CSK has struggled to defend scores and pick early wickets. The absence of breakthroughs in the powerplay and death overs has led to large chases and limited control over opposition batters.

MS Dhoni’s Post-Match Comments:

Following the team’s sixth loss of the season, MS Dhoni spoke candidly in the post-match presentation. His comments suggested a shift in mindset from playoff qualification to long-term planning.

“With all the games in front of us that we are supposed to win, we will just take it one game at a time. And if we lose a few, what will be important for us is to get the right combination for next year,” Dhoni said.

This statement has led fans and experts to speculate that Dhoni may be turning focus towards building a stable core for IPL 2026, especially if CSK fails to qualify this year.

A Glimpse into the Future: Rebuilding for 2026?

Even if CSK fails to make the IPL 2025 playoffs, the remaining matches offer a golden opportunity to:

• Test bench strength

• Give more exposure to young talents

• Finalize a core group for IPL 2026

• Re-evaluate captaincy and leadership roles

Players like Ayush Mhatre, Shaik Rasheed, and even Matheesha Pathirana could be vital to CSK’s resurgence in future seasons. Dhoni’s leadership in these final games will be critical in shaping the next era of the franchise.

Conclusion: Is It Over for CSK in IPL 2025?

Chennai Super Kings are down, but not out. They still have a mathematical chance to make the playoffs, but the road ahead is difficult. Every game from now is a virtual knockout. The team must address their top-order failures, middle-order vulnerabilities, and bowling inefficiencies quickly.

If things don’t go their way, it might be time for CSK and MS Dhoni to pivot towards rebuilding for 2026, ensuring the yellow brigade returns stronger than ever.