'Some loopholes are there...' - MS Dhoni opens up on CSK's struggles in IPL 2024 and 2025 season

MS Dhoni remains tight-lipped on retirement, says decision will come later. Confident CSK will be sorted next year, with gaps addressed in the mini-auction and Ruturaj back in form.

MS Dhoni (Image Credit: Chennai Super Kings)

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have had two forgettable seasons in the Indian Premier League (IPL) so far: 2024 and 2025. Well, 2020 was horrific too, but after MS Dhoni handed over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad, things have turned against the Super Kings lately. They failed to qualify for the playoffs in both seasons, which was very rare.

After all, CSK are one of the most dominant teams in the history of the IPL, having won five titles. Former captain MS Dhoni is not someone who attends every media interaction or press conference. However, at a private function, Dhoni was seen talking about the Super Kings, their batting lineup, and how Ruturaj Gaikwad's return to the team next year can be helpful to the team.

Gaikwad was ruled out of the tournament due to injury mid-season, putting the Men in Yellow in huge trouble. They already had a weak batting lineup, and Gaikwad's absence was felt deeply. "We are slightly worried about our batting order. But I think our batting order is quite sorted out now. Rutu (Gaikwad) will be coming back. He got injured. But he will be coming back. So, we are quite sorted now," said Dhoni.

CSK have been struggling to find a spot in the playoffs which is a rare phenomenon. They are the only team in the history of the IPL to qualify for the playoffs in 11 out of 15 seasons. Dhoni rightly pointed out that there are a few loopholes, which are the reason behind the Super Kings' struggles.

"I won't say we (CSK) slacked off (in IPL 2025). But there were certain holes that we needed to plug in. A small auction is coming in December. Some loopholes are there, and we will try to plug those in. Yes, the last couple of years have not been good for us. We have not been up to the mark. But what is important is for you to see the learnings. Yes, you had a bad season. But what went wrong? And that was the question for us last year also," he said.

Well, the question related to Dhoni's presence in the next season still remains a question since he decided to keep everyone guessing. The CSK fans will be looking forward to watching their favorite player get on the field once more.

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