IPL 2025: Despite horrible show at Chepauk, CSK’s batting coach optimistic for Dhoni-led side to qualify

The Chennai Super Kings would now need at least 6 wins in their 8 remaining games to have any chance of qualifying into IPL playoffs.

Despite slumping to their fifth straight defeat in IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting coach Michael Hussey remains optimistic about the team’s playoff hopes. Speaking after CSK’s abominable loss to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Chepauk, Hussey stressed the need to stick together as a unit and not make hasty changes.

CSK still eyes IPL playoffs

While CSK currently sit ninth on the points table, just above Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on net run rate, Hussey believes the team still has a chance to sneak into the top four.

“We are certainly not putting the white flag up just yet,” Hussey said at the post-match press conference. “You only have to get in to scrape into that fourth place. And a big, long tournament like the IPL, it is about momentum.” With eight games remaining, CSK still have time, but their margin for error has vanished.

For the first time in their history, CSK have succumbed to five back-to-back defeats – their longest winless streak in the IPL.

Awful display by CSK at Chepauk

CSK produced a batting performance that can only be described as dismal. While the Chepauk pitch did offer some assistance to the bowlers and KKR executed their plans smartly, there’s no hiding from the fact that CSK were utterly poor in front of their home crowd.

What looked like a steady start at 59/2 quickly descended into chaos, with CSK collapsing to 75/8 in a blink. The promotion of Ravichandran Ashwin to No. 5 raised eyebrows, and the gamble didn’t pay off.

In an otherwise forgettable night, Shivam Dube emerged as the lone fighter. His unbeaten 31 off 29 balls offered a glimmer of defiance, while Vijay Shankar chipped in with 29 despite a nervy start. Dube’s couple of boundaries in the final over, along with some tail-end resilience from Anshul Kamboj, helped CSK limp to 103/9—avoiding the embarrassment of being bowled out before their full quota.

Lowest of lows for CSK

• Second-lowest first-innings score by CSK.
• CSK’s lowest score at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk
• Six wickets vs spin – most for CSK in an IPL innings

Lowest team totals by CSK