Chennai Super Kings’ legendary batter Suresh Raina has expressed deep concern over the team’s poor form in IPL 2025, blaming it squarely on the franchise’s missteps at the mega auction. The five-time IPL champions have managed just two wins in eight matches, casting serious doubts over their playoff hopes.
Raina, who was once the backbone of the CSK batting lineup, didn’t hold back in his analysis. Speaking on Star Sports, he said that the team’s auction strategy failed to bring in impactful young players who could make a difference under pressure.
“I feel that somewhere the auction was not done well by the coach, the management. There were so many talented players in the auction, so many young players – like Priyansh Arya, who debuted and scored a century,” Raina pointed out.
He further criticized the decision to overlook players like Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul, who are known for their attacking flair and game-changing ability.
“You take so much money for selection, and you left out Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul. If you look at other teams, they play such attacking games. I have never seen CSK struggle this much,” he added.
Harbhajan Agrees: CSK Missing a Game-Changer
Former CSK and India teammate Harbhajan Singh echoed Raina’s concerns, stating that the current squad lacks a player who can rise to the occasion when the pressure mounts.
“This team has been very big. But when they went to the auction… they did not take Rishabh, did not take KL Rahul. Among the youth selected, we can’t see any who could give game-changing performances,” said Harbhajan.
Dhoni’s Response: Focus on Next Season’s Core
After CSK’s crushing defeat against Mumbai Indians, MS Dhoni admitted that the team is now also looking at building for the future, in case playoff qualification becomes out of reach. The legendary skipper emphasized the need to form a consistent core group.
“You don’t want too many players getting changed. What will be important is to try and qualify, but if not, get a secured XI for next year and come back strong,” Dhoni said during the post-match interaction.
CSK’s Season So Far
- Matches Played: 8
- Wins: 2
- Losses: 6
- Position: Bottom half of the table
- Next Match: vs Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 25 at Chepauk
As the clock ticks on IPL 2025, CSK will have to produce a near-perfect run in their remaining games to stay alive in the tournament. Otherwise, the focus will shift fully to reshaping the team for 2026 — a situation that neither the fans nor the franchise would have envisioned.
Stay tuned for updates as Chennai Super Kings face Sunrisers Hyderabad in a must-win clash at home.
