Frailties in powerplay adds pressure on CSK’s middle-order, accepts MS Dhoni

Chennai Super Kings have the worst strike rate (125) in the powerplay among all ten teams at IPL 2025.

The sight of MS Dhoni flipping the coin at the toss once again brought back familiar memories for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans. But nostalgia aside, the man in yellow was quick to confront the present-day reality: CSK are struggling, and the rot begins at the top.

What did MS Dhoni about CSK’s powerplay struggle?

“The wicket slows down a bit, so if you don’t get a good start, the middle order comes under pressure,” Dhoni said, matter-of-factly, in his first match back as captain.

And pressure is exactly what Chennai’s batters have invited with their timid powerplay returns. In a tournament where teams are regularly breaching 60 in the first six overs, CSK are languishing at the bottom. Their powerplay strike rate of 125 is the worst in IPL 2025.

Poor CSK batting unit

Devon Conway (SR 140) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (SR 137) had decent numbers on paper, but neither brings the early tempo modern T20 cricket demands. With Ruturaj now ruled out due to a fractured elbow and Conway lacking impact, the responsibility has largely fallen on Rachin Ravindra—who himself strikes at a modest 133.

What follows is predictable. Shivam Dube has struggled for rhythm, Vijay Shankar has looked out of place, and the once-dynamic duo of Dhoni and Jadeja are far from their peak. CSK’s entire innings structure is now held together by threads of hope that someone—anyone—can accelerate when it matters.

Worst batting run rate in powerplay