The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) consistently dominate the IPL, epitomizing success and teamwork. With five IPL titles under its belt, CSK showcases strategic brilliance and unparalleled team spirit, earning its place as one of cricket’s most iconic franchises. Led by the charismatic MS Dhoni, they have built a legacy that few can rival. However, as the team prepares for the 2025 season, their pursuit of a sixth championship faces several significant challenges. Let’s look at the 3 Key Flaws of Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025 that may or may not trouble them this season.
Though they made some astute moves during the mega auction to plug some squad gaps, a few gaping holes remain. There are questions about the squad’s dependence on the aging MS Dhoni, lack of a dependable finisher, and a brittle death bowling attack. These plights have caused fans and analysts to wonder whether CSK can correct course, weather the storm, and return to their earlier dominance in the high-pressure world of the IPL. Here is an analysis for the CSK Fans by CricketStadium.
1. Lack of a Reliable Finisher
As far as MS Dhoni was concerned, he was CSK’s first player in stressful moments, and he created a reputation as one of the best fighters in cricket.
It is his current role and batting position, though, that doesn’t provide him with the opportunities to close games the Dhoni style. Now, that responsibility lies on the shoulders of Shivam Dube. Middle-order big hitter performer — Dube tells him that he has to adjust to his natural game and now be a finisher, and that is extra pressure on him.
While Ravindra Jadeja does offer some support in this role, his strike rate of 129.72 is not exactly aspiring from an anchor purpose. The lack of a clear finisher could mean CSK will have to be on their toes in close run chases, which has been their forte always.
2. MS Dhoni’s Age: A 43-Year-Old Keeper in the Squad
You cannot speak about CSK without speaking about vintage MS Dhoni. Dhoni is undoubtedly one of the best players and a leader in IPL history and it would be great value to have him on board both on and off the field.
But at 43, there is a real question as to whether he can continue to keep pace with the tournament’s relentless pace and intensity.
As they say, Dhoni is past his prime, with his primary responsibilities now limited to keeping and a few cameo appearances with the bat. (As a batter, he has batted as low as number 8 last season, raising his finish-ability in question.)
His chronic knee problems also present question marks over his capacity for a full season. There might not be a ready-made wicketkeeper of Dhoni class available at the moment. Still, CSK should have sought a young talent behind the sticks and then used its mined cricketing knowledge and sage leadership to help ease maybe more than is possible for anyone else to carry.
Some even speculated about Ruturaj Gaikwad, who could be an occasional keeper. The CSK opener has also been batting with Gloves during practice sessions, which led to the speculation that he would do the job (occasionally) to ease the burden on Dhoni.
But wicketkeeping is a specialist job; taking on the same demanding role might backfire as well and affect Ruturaj with the bat, creating more problems than solutions for CSK.
3. A Fragile Death Bowling Unit
Death bowling has always been a key part of T20 cricket, and the current CSK arrangement appears to be over-reliant on Matheesha Pathirana. The Sri Lankan pacer has emerged as one of the most dangerous death-over specialists in the business. However, a lack of reliable backups is alarming. What if Pathirana is injured or unable to play because he is on national duty?
As for CSK’s Indian pace attack, Khaleel Ahmed and Mukesh Choudhary are not the best candidates to bowl at the death, but they will be more effective in the powerplay. Nathan Ellis is a steady option as well, though he might not always be in your starting lineup.
Conclusion: Challenges Ahead for CSK in IPL 2025
For the bulk of their journey, CSK has thrived because of their adaptability and coming out of tougher situations. The auction did fill a few chinks, though, but all three were — an aging Dhoni, lack of a proper finisher, and excessive reliance on Pathirane for death bowling were immense concerns.
Wicketkeeping poses another challenge for CSK. If Ruturaj Gaikwad is forced to take up the gloves, it could significantly complicate their season. The added responsibility would likely put immense pressure on his primary role as a batter, making his performance more challenging and a 3 Key Flaws of Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025.
They need to get creative now or risk not just blurring their legacy but also losing out on a sixth title. How they approach this is going to be key to their IPL 2025 journey, be it managing workload via sensible rotation of players, defining roles amongst those within their set-up, or mid-season acquisitions. Now, if the iconic franchise can defy the odds and carve its own space in IPL folklore,” only time will tell.
