IPL 2025: Playoffs slipping away, but MS Dhoni is not done yet

Dubai: Chennai Super Kings’ campaign has spiralled — from opening night triumph to six defeats in eight matches — and even Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s return hasn’t yet reversed their fortunes.

The five-time champions started their Season 18 campaign with a win over arch-rivals Mumbai Indians, but since then, the Yellove have endured five successive defeats — including three at their once-feared home ground.

To compound their woes, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out for the rest of the season with an elbow injury.

After briefly halting their losing streak with a win against Lucknow Super Giants last Monday, Chennai were outclassed by nine wickets in the El Clasico of the IPL — once again by Mumbai. The result leaves Super Kings with just two wins from eight games.

Still, hope lingers. Despite sitting at the bottom of the table, only six points separate Chennai from the top. With 12 points still to play for, the Yellove could still sneak into the playoffs.

Super Kings now have a four-day break before they host ninth-placed Sunrisers Hyderabad at Chepauk. A win in the MRC Nagar Derby would not only strengthen their playoff push but also help them reclaim their home-ground advantage.

In a bid to turn things around, Dhoni has stepped back into the leadership frame. He remains clear-eyed about both the immediate goal and the long-term vision.

“Despite the odds, we’ll try to take a shot at the playoffs,” Dhoni said after the Mumbai loss. “But if that doesn’t happen, we must build a secured eleven and bounce back stronger next season.”

Dhoni stressed the need for calm and perspective: “What we need to realise is that we are successful because we play good cricket. When we are not playing well, it’s important not to get too emotional, and to remain practical.”

Even as results have faltered, the Super Kings have managed to blood young talent. Teenager Ayush Mhatre, Shaikh Rasheed, and Anshul Kamboj have shown promise — a welcome shift for a side long dubbed “Dad’s Army.”

The 17-year-old Mhatre impressed in his debut, smashing 32 off just 15 balls and giving the likes of Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja a platform to build on.

“He batted well. Picked his shots well. Wanted to play his shots — we haven’t seen much of him yet,” Dhoni said.

With their back against the wall, Chennai now need to win most — if not all — of their remaining games. But even if they fall short, Dhoni made it clear the final stretch will be about plugging the gaps and settling on a core.

“If we lose a few, what will be important for us is to get the right combination for next year. You don’t want too many players getting changed,” he said. “What’s important is to try and qualify, but if not, get a secured 11 for next year and come back strong.”

Chennai have come back from the brink before — and with Dhoni back at the helm and a few sparks from the youth brigade, fans will be hoping 2025 still holds one last twist in the tale. Don’t write off Dhoni.