Having lost six of their eight matches, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are staring at a first-round exit from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. They are currently languishing at the bottom of the 10-team points table.
In their last fixture, CSK suffered a crushing nine-wicket defeat against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday (April 20).
Amidst the dismal show, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has acknowledged the hurt and disappointment among the franchise’s fans. However, he remained hopeful of a comeback from the five-time champions.
Viswanathan also said that a team led by MS Dhoni can never be ruled out, expressing hope for a turnaround reminiscent of the 2010 season.
"All of you will be a little bit disappointed with the performance of CSK this year. Of course, it's bound to happen. We have had earlier also. We know that we are not playing good cricket as of now. But, we hope that in the coming matches, we should be able to do better. We have got someone of the calibre of Shivam Dube here. He has been doing so well over the years. And with someone like Thala being at the helm, it’s only a question of time before we come back," Viswanathan said during an event in Chennai on Tuesday (April 22).
"Of course, we remember the year 2010. We lost five games in a row and went on to win the cup. That was the first year we won the title. I am sure the boys are committed. The team is committed. I am sure we will come up with better performances in the upcoming matches," he added.
During the 2010 edition of IPL, CSK were reeling at the bottom half of the table with just two wins from their first seven matches. However, Dhoni’s men had turned things around in spectacular fashion, going on to clinch their maiden IPL title
In the ongoing season, the Super Kings seem to lack the firepower and their demoralized batting and bowling units don’t inspire much confidence either.
After the defeat against MI, Dhoni hinted that the team may be looking ahead to the next season by testing their bench strength and searching for the right combinations.
"With all the games in front of us that we are supposed to win, we’ll just take it one game at a time. If we lose a few, what will be important for us is to get the right combination for next year," Dhoni said.
CSK’s next match is scheduled against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Chepauk on Friday (April 25).
