Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the five-time IPL champions, are grappling with an unprecedented crisis early in the IPL 2025 season. Their campaign hit a new low on Friday following a crushing defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at their home fortress, Chepauk. (Schedule | Teams | Points Table)
This loss marked CSK's fifth consecutive defeat since their opening match victory against Mumbai Indians, plunging the MS Dhoni-led side into their worst-ever losing streak within a single IPL season.
The defeat against KKR was particularly demoralizing. CSK were restricted to a paltry 103 for 9 in their 20 overs, their lowest-ever total recorded at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, surpassing their previous low of 109 against MI in 2019.
This score also ranks as their third-lowest total in IPL history overall. The nature of the loss was equally stark, with KKR chasing down the target with a staggering 59 balls to spare – CSK's largest margin of defeat in terms of balls remaining in the IPL.
This loss was also CSK's third consecutive defeat at Chepauk this season, another unwanted first for the franchise, leaving fans stunned and parts of the stadium emptying even before the chase began. KKR, powered by an explosive start that saw them reach 71 for 1 in the powerplay (the second-highest conceded by CSK at home), completed the chase in just 10.1 overs.
CSK's batting has been the primary cause for concern throughout this losing streak. Against KKR, they limped to just 31 for 2 in the powerplay, facing 20 dot balls and offering aggressive shots to only five deliveries in the first six overs.
Alarmingly, the team endured a 63-ball period without hitting a single boundary between the 8th and 19th overs. Their overall powerplay average this season stands at 45, significantly below the league average of 57, highlighting their inability to set competitive platforms.
Skipper MS Dhoni acknowledged the struggles, noting that while their openers focus on partnerships rather than aggressive slogging, the team cannot afford to get desperate early on. He stressed the need to build platforms and capitalize later, a strategy hampered by frequent wicket losses.
The absence of retired middle-order powerhouse Ambati Rayudu, crucial in their 2023 title win, is keenly felt. Attempts to fill the void, including experiments with Daryl Mitchell in 2024 and punts on Vijay Shankar and Deepak Hooda in 2025, haven't yielded results. Compounding these issues are the inconsistent form of openers Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi's struggles, and a season-ending injury to Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Batting coach Mike Hussey admitted that adapting post the mega-auction is challenging, with new recruits still finding their feet. However, for a team famed for its consistency and resilience, this five-match slump represents uncharted territory, demanding an urgent and significant turnaround if they hope to salvage their IPL 2025 campaign.
