Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are all but out of the playoffs race, and it is about time that they started figuring out their personnel for the next season, said former India captain Anil Kumble. Speaking after CSK’s loss at home against SunRisers Hyderabad, Anil Kumble said that CSK only have 5 matches left in the tournament and they needed to start planning for their future.
Nothing has gone right for CSK in the ongoing edition of the tournament. After winning their first game of the season against Mumbai Indians, CSK have lost 7 out of their next 8 games and are firmly placed at the bottom of the points table . All experienced players at CSK have failed to inspire the side to a win this season, and that has resulted in the poor run for the side in IPL 2025. The likes of Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, and R. Ashwin have not been able to perform at their potential.
CSK’s 5- wicket loss to SRH is an mirror to CSK management for selection blunders in modern age of T20 cricket.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) conceded a five-wicket defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 43rd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, on Friday, April 25th.
Following the loss, MS Dhoni-led Super Kings hold the bottom-most position on the IPL 2025 standings with four points and have a net run rate of -1.302. As of now, the Chennai-based franchise have conceded seven defeats and clinched just two wins. In their previous five matches, CSK managed to win just one game. The ongoing edition of the cash-rich tournament is CSK’s second-most disappointing season.
The game against SRH was crucial for the Super Kings. They needed to win it to qualify for the playoffs. Now, CSK need to rely on other teams’ results. But they still have a very low chance of qualifying for the IPL 2025 playoffs.
Speaking on JioStar after the match, Kumble said that Rachin Ravindra was a fine young talent and the inclusions of Dewald Brevis and Ayush Mhatre have been a positive for the franchise this season. Brevis played his first match against SRH on Friday, April 25, and scored an impressive 42 off 25 balls before getting dismissed by a sensational catch from Kamindu Mendis.
Anil Kumble’s unique stance on CSK
The former Indian cricketer, Anil Kumble, shared his thoughts on the Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League 2025. He feels that the side needs to consider their options beyond the core players that have been a regular feature for the franchise after their poor performance this year.
Speaking on JioStar after CSK’s recent defeat by five wickets against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kumble had positive things to share about their latest additions in Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis, who have had impressive starts after being roped in mid-season.
“Rachin Ravindra is a fantastic young talent, but in this format, he seems rushed—perhaps number three would’ve suited him better. The middle order lacked power outside of Shivam Dube. With Brevis and Mhatre now getting games, that’s a positive,” Kumble mentioned.
Speaking on the bowling attack, Matheesha Pathirana, who has been their go-to death bowler, has not been in the best of form, and Kumble feels that the side needs to give someone like Nathan Ellis a fair chance, considering that he had a decent performance when called upon against the Mumbai Indians.
He also emphasised the need to give youngsters a go and focus on building for the future.
“But they need to start thinking beyond Pathirana. Nathan Ellis is an experienced death bowler who has delivered before, yet hasn’t found a place after the first match. With five games left, it’s the perfect time to give youngsters a decent run and start building for the future,” he concluded.
CSK are tottering at the bottom of the points table and have already used 20 out of their 27 players. CSK are yet to give a chance to Vansh Bedi, who is one of the most promising wicketkeeping-batting talents in the domestic T20 scene in the country. CSK have only 5 matches left in IPL 2025 before their campaign officially ends. They will play Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Gujarat Titans before wrapping up their campaign this season.
Also Read:Â CSK vs SRH: MS Dhoni’s Swan Song – Will It Be His Final IPL Season?