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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) veteran MS Dhoni, known for his calm demeanor and long-term vision, made a frank admission following the franchise’s nine-wicket defeat to Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, April 20. With CSK’s IPL 2025 playoff hopes fading rapidly, Dhoni hinted that the team might soon pivot its focus to preparing for the next season.
In a post-match interview with the official broadcasters, Dhoni addressed the grim reality of CSK’s campaign so far and stressed the importance of using the remainder of the season wisely—especially if a playoff spot becomes mathematically impossible.
“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. We don’t want too many players getting changed. So, I think what will be important is to try and qualify. But if not, get a secured eleven for the next year and come back strong,” Dhoni stated.
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Fleming Aligns With Dhoni’s Vision
Backing his captain’s strategic shift, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming also acknowledged the team’s realistic standing on the points table. While making it clear that CSK would continue to push for the playoffs, he emphasized that the franchise would begin testing combinations and unearthing talent if things don’t go their way.
“We are realistic about the position that we are in. But, there will no stone left unturned looking for players for next year, combinations for next year, and we’ll see it as an opportunity,” Fleming said in an interaction with ESPNcricinfo.
“Not a great opportunity, because we want to be at the pointy end of the competition, but if it works out that there’s no chance of us getting through, we’ll certainly make the most of it,” he added.
CSK’s Dismal IPL 2025 Performance So Far
The crushing defeat to Mumbai Indians was CSK’s sixth loss in IPL 2025. With only two victories in eight games, the Men in Yellow currently sit near the bottom of the points table, making their path to the playoffs an uphill battle.
Despite some sparks of individual brilliance, the team has failed to click as a cohesive unit. Injuries, inconsistent form, and a lack of firepower in the middle overs have plagued the team’s balance, something both Dhoni and Fleming appear eager to address.
Eyes on the Future
Dhoni’s comments serve as a strong indication that CSK may soon transition into a phase of experimentation—one that focuses on retaining a core group of players while testing new faces for the 2026 season. Given Dhoni’s expected retirement talk looming over the franchise, this also raises questions about who will lead the next generation of Super Kings.
CSK fans may find it hard to accept this shift in focus so early in the season, but given Dhoni’s track record of turning adversity into opportunity, it might just be the first step in another long-term CSK resurgence.
What’s Next?
Chennai Super Kings will next face the in-form Sunrisers Hyderabad at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday, April 25. With qualification hopes hanging by a thread, the game could prove decisive in determining whether CSK continues to chase the playoffs or begins to lay bricks for a stronger 2026 campaign.
