Table of Contents
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are one of the most iconic franchises in IPL history. With five titles and a legacy built over the years, they’ve set a benchmark for consistency. However, in IPL 2025, the Yellow Army is in uncharted territory.
As of April 12, 2025, CSK find themselves near the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table, managing just one win from six games. While fans are still hope for a miraculous comeback, several factors suggest CSK may not qualify for the IPL 2025 playoffs.
3 reasons why CSK might miss the IPL 2025 playoffs
1. The imbalanced squad
One of the biggest issues hampering CSK this season is the squad composition post the IPL 2025 mega auction.
- Overinvestment in spin department: Despite retaining prominent spin-cum-allrounder Ravindra Jadeja, CSK splurged on spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin (INR 9.75 Cr) and Noor Ahmad (INR 10 Cr). While spin-friendly Chepauk pitches make this strategy logical, it led to underinvestment in other vital areas.
- Weak middle order and pace attack: The team lacks reliable pace hitters in the middle order – a necessity in modern-day T20 cricket. Their pace unit, including Khaleel Ahmed and Matheesha Pathirana, has failed to deliver during the powerplay overs, leaking crucial runs.
- Redundant overseas picks: The inclusion of both Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra—two overseas top-order batters—has raised concerns, especially since their roles overlap and leave other areas vulnerable.
This squad imbalance has made it difficult for CSK to find a stable playing XI, affecting their adaptability across different match conditions.
2. Underwhelming batting show in IPL 2025
CSK’s batting unit, historically a strength, has been one of their biggest weaknesses this season.
- Frequent top-order collapses: The team has struggled to get solid starts, often losing early wickets and putting pressure on the middle order. Their powerplay strike rate ranks among the lowest in IPL 2025.
- Vulnerability against pace and movement: CSK batters have failed to handle high pace and swing. Several experts have criticized their approach, calling it “conservative” and “outdated” for the modern T20 format.
- Overreliance on MS Dhoni: At 43, MS Dhoni still delivers in patches, but depending on him for late-innings acceleration in every match is unrealistic. The team’s inability to chase even modest totals—highlighted by their all-time lowest home total (103/9 vs KKR)—reflects deep-seated batting problems.
Also READ: 5 biggest IPL defeats for CSK by balls remaining
3. Injuries and leadership uncertainty
CSK’s trademark stability has been disrupted in IPL 2025 due to injuries and leadership changes.
- Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury: CSK’s regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad suffered a hairline elbow fracture, ruling him out for the rest of the season. This not only cost CSK a top-order asset but also destabilized the leadership structure.
- Dhoni’s return to captaincy: While Dhoni stepping in shows his commitment, it adds pressure during an already turbulent season. His return didn’t prevent a heavy defeat against KKR, exposing the deep cracks in CSK’s strategy and execution.
Can CSK still qualify for the IPL 2025 playoffs?
Mathematically, CSK are still in the race. With 8 matches left, they must win at least 6—possibly 7—depending on their poor Net Run Rate (currently at -1.554). But given the squad issues, underperforming batting, and mid-season captaincy change, a playoff berth looks unlikely this year.
The road to the IPL 2025 playoffs for CSK is steep. Unless there’s a dramatic turnaround, this could be the season where the Super Kings miss out on the knockouts—reminding fans that even giants can falter.
