MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are languishing at the bottom of the points table after losing six out of their first 8 games in the season.
They won their season opener against Mumbai Indians (MI). Then, the side lost five on the trot before picking up their second win against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Then again, they lost their previous match against MI by nine wickets.
With six more matches to go in the league stage, former cricketers and IPL commentary panel experts have discounted the team from making the playoffs. The five-time champions won their last IPL trophy in 2023, beating the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the final.
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Suresh Raina Slams CSK's Lack Of Intent To Win Games
Meanwhile, former CSK legend Suresh Raina, who was the vice-captain of the side during their heyday, has criticized the team for showing no intent throughout the first half of the season. He further said that this is the weakest CSK team he has seen in the IPL.
"This is the weakest CSK team, definitely. I think there's no intent. The hunger to win is not there. Not to disrespect anyone, but the brand that CSK is known for, that's not there now," Raina said on his Instagram, in a chat with Harbhajan Singh.
Raina questioned the reason behind why the management cannot pick local players playing in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL).
"Look at how local players who have played in TNPL are doing. B Sai Sudharsan is doing well, he is playing for Gujarat Titans. R Sai Kishore and Shahrukh Khan are also playing for GT. You have to bring local players," When we were winning, we had the likes of Murali Vijay, L Balaji, S Badrinath, myself, MS Dhoni, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. When you don't bring local flavour, it doesn't work," Raina said.
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The former CSK player further criticized the approach with the bat from the players. MS Dhoni has not batted in the top order for them for the last few years. None of the batters from the side are in the top run-getters list in IPL 2025. Meanwhile, Noor Ahmad (12 wickets from 8 matches) and Khaleel Ahmed (11 wickets from 8 matches) are the two CSK bowlers in the list of top wicket-takers.
"When we played in Chennai, we were not playing dot balls. Strike rotation wins matches. We played proper basic cricket. In the first six overs, we showed intent. And in the death, there were the likes of MS Dhoni and Albie Morkel. They used to play cameos. Because of all these, we were winning," Raina said.
CSK takes on SRH in their next match in Chennai on March 25. They need to win all their remaining games to give themselves a chance of making the playoffs.
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