MS Dhoni, the legendary captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has not yet lost hope of making the IPL 2025 playoffs. Dhoni is keeping his eye on winning the remaining games and making sure the team keeps developing, even though CSK finds a difficult place at the bottom of the points table. While fans on platforms like Malbet continue to support CSK with enthusiasm, Dhoni remains pragmatic and notes that the team has to use the remaining games to provide a strong basis for next year should qualification prove doubtful.
With just four points from eight games following a devastating nine-wicket loss to Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, CSK suddenly finds itself in a difficult position. They are six points behind the fourth-placed team in the league, and the margin for error is now almost zero.
Dhoni, though, stays cool under pressure. Following the victory, he remarked, "We will just take it one game at a time, with all the games ahead of us that we are meant to win. And should we lose a few, our most crucial need is to find the ideal mix for next year.
Dhoni underlined that the goals are twofold: to strive to qualify for the playoffs and, should that not be possible, to assemble a core group of players who will lead the squad next season.
Should CSK not reach the top four, Dhoni wants the team to maximize their last games. He says the emphasis should next turn to completing a consistent playing XI for IPL 2026. His aim is crystal clear: reduce pointless adjustments and strengthen the future’s unit.
“We want not too many people changing,” he said. The key will be to try and qualify. If not, obtain a secured eleven for next year and return powerfully.
CSK head coach Stephen Fleming also acknowledged that the team has not been playing as expected. Still, he thinks the club may gain something from this challenging season.
“It’s hard, really,” Fleming remarked in the post-match news conference. “We have to keep in the competition even when you are playing much below par and become enthused about it. Indeed, there will be opportunities.”
Fleming also mentioned earlier experiences showing that even a bad season can result in something positive. "Nothing will be thrown away during this tournament. We review past events that have not gone our way, and some of the work we have done at the rear end of events will help us succeed next year.
Dhoni is well-known for his cool and analytical style of play; this is not different this time. He remarked that CSK’s batting order has to put more runs on the board to provide their bowlers something to defend.
"We should come to see that playing good cricket makes us successful. If we’re not playing good cricket simultaneously, Dhoni advised us not to be emotional about it. You want to be practical yet at the same time.
He underlined the need to learn from bad performances by referencing the 2020 season, a particularly challenging year for CSK when they ended close to the bottom of the standings.
The CSK skipper pointed out a few important problems that require correction. The main one is the batting unit’s lack of enough runs. Even the best bowling attempts could fail without enough runs.
As these can turn the tide of a game, he also emphasized the need to grab catches and capitalize on fielding opportunities. “A few catches would help,” Dhoni observed. Apart from that, we are simply filling in the gaps.
The remark captures CSK’s attempts to close minor but critical gaps that can help to change the tide in close calls.
Fleming and Dhoni both view the present dip as a possible learning curve. Dhoni’s remark on not making “too many changes” suggests the long-term approach CSK is well-known for. The brand has always prioritized stability—even in trying circumstances—and this attitude seems to be continuing.
Fleming also underlined that, although not the one they had hoped for, the rest of the season remains a chance. “We will most definitely maximise it if it turns out that our chances of survival are low.”
Notwithstanding the chances, CSK is still determined to win one game at a time. For years, Dhoni has supported this idea. Right now, the objective is still to keep battling and attempt to reverse things. Whether they qualify or not, the club intends to maximize every game.
With six games left, CSK’s chances of a dramatic turnaround are still slim. Nevertheless, the captain and coach are dedicated to equipping a better team for the future, even if that doesn’t happen.
To read more blog: The Journey of a Cricket Addictor: Embracing the Game
MS Dhoni’s composure yet pragmatic approach is evidence of his leadership. Although CSK’s IPL 2025 path has been imperfect, the remaining games have been worth it. The goals are obvious, whether they relate to surviving the competition or forming the team for the upcoming season.
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