Despite Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) poor performance in IPL 2025, MS Dhoni is optimistic but realistic about the fate of the team. After a nine-wicket loss to Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium, which saw CSK slip to the bottom of the table, Dhoni spoke of the need for the team to remain focused on the short-term goal while also preparing for the future in case their playoff dreams are cut short.
CSK’s Pragmatic Strategy for IPL 2025 Playoffs
CSK’s playoff chances are slim, sitting at four points in eight games and six points behind fourth place. However, Dhoni mentioned the goal for the team is to still reach the knockouts, meaning we need to be pragmatic about the situation.
“We will take it game by game.” Dhoni said, acknowledging the team’s remote chances of moving ahead, “if we lose a couple, I would rather try to figure out what is a good combination for next year.” He mentioned that the last six of IPL 2025 could serve as a trial for next year.
Concentration on Creating the Correct Team for IPL 2026
Though CSK continues to keep hopes alive for a late push into the playoffs, Dhoni mentioned that if the outcomes are not in their favor, the team will focus on constructing a settled team for IPL 2026. “We don’t want too many players getting changed,” he stated, highlighting the need to find a safe eleven for the next season.
This shift in strategy would enable CSK to rebuild for next year with a guarantee of not disturbing the team dynamics as much. It’s a plan for long-term success, so that the team is adequately set to return even stronger in IPL 2026.
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CSK’s Coach Stephen Fleming Expresses Similar Views
Head coach of CSK, Stephen Fleming, made similar remarks to Dhoni, stating that he shares Dhoni’s opinion on the situation they are in. Fleming explained that they are still positive about their situation and still excited about qualifying for the playoffs. He reflected, however, that they too are preparing for the possibility that things may not go the way they expected.
“We’re still in the tournament; however, if a few things don’t go our way, we have few games to figure out how to move positively forward,” Fleming said, reminding everyone that while things were not going well currently, it was important to keep a long-term focus.
Dhoni Looks Back at Past Failures and Emphasizes Pragmatism
Dhoni, the calm presence in pressure moments, reflected on seasons when CSK struggled, notably IPL 2020, a year not so great for the team. He made a point that, whatever is happening, the team needs to keep their composure even when things are against them.
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“What we need to comprehend is, we are successful if we are playing good cricket, and if we are not it’s not even necessary to get too emotional,” Dhoni said, underlining the importance of a practical approach, “We need to ask ourselves whether we are as careful as possible or are we even scoring the runs are withholding for the bowler to defend”
Key Areas of Focus: Improving Execution
Though setbacks were faced, Dhoni also pinpointed a few areas in which CSK can improve. He mentioned that catching chances have been lost, and these small errors have contributed to the team’s struggles. Still, he kept his focus on the big picture, remarking, “Other than that, we are just trying to plug in the holes.”
MS Dhoni’s Practical Outlook for CSK
Given CSK’s TOIL this year so far in IPL 2025, MS Dhoni’s commentary alludes to the team’s pragmatic approach to the remainder of the season. CSK will continue to do everything they can to qualify, but Dhoni is also looking to build a more stable and balanced team that the team can rely on in the IPL 2026 season.
CSK is still in contention for a playoff position, to say the least, but given the longer-term emphasis of what Dhoni is now looking to do to take CSK forward, we can assess longer-term rebuilding to ensure CSK comes back stronger next year.
In conclusion, and as IPL 2025 progresses, there will be a great deal of debate about how CSK’s leadership/administration, Fleming and Dhoni, will vary the short-term and long-term aspects so that they have the best combination of both as they enter IPL 2026.
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