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CSK legend Suresh Raina is disappointed by his former team’s poor performance in IPL 2025.
With only 2 wins in 8 matches, CSK’s playoff chances look slim. (PTI Photo)
Chennai Super Kings legend Suresh Raina has been disappointed by the rare downfall of his former team in IPL 2025. The five-time champions look doubtful for the playoffs, having managed only two wins in 8 matches this season and need to do something special to turnaround from this stage.
MS Dhoni and his men need to win nearly all of their remaining games to stay in contention for a top-four berth.
Raina has put the blame on the team management for CSK’s disastrous run.
According to him, the Chennai-based franchise messed it up at the mega auction last year when they were required to build the core. The southpaw reckons CSK missed out on signing players who could bring an attacking mindset to the team.
“I feel that somewhere the auction was not done well by the coach, the management. There were so many talented players in the auction, so many young players – like Priyansh Arya, who debuted and scored a century,” Raina said on Star Sports.
“You take so much money for selection, you left out Rishabh Pant, left out Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul. If you look at other teams, they play such attacking games. I have never seen CSK struggle this much,” he added.
Harbhajan Singh, who was also part of the discussion, agreed with Raina. The legendary Indian spinner opined that the current CSK team lacked a “game-changer” who could take the pressure away, stepping up in difficult situations.
“This team has been very big. But when they went to the auction, as you mentioned, the big names – they did not take Rishabh, did not take KL Rahul. Among the youth selected, we can’t see any who could give game-changing performances,” Harbhajan explained.
After Chennai’s recent defeat to Mumbai Indians, MS Dhoni opened up about getting the combinations right for the next season. At the post-match interaction, the CSK skipper shared that the franchise should focus on building a “secure playing eleven” that would bring consistent results.
“You don’t want too many players getting changed. What will be important is to try and qualify, but if not, get a secured XI for next year and come back strong,” Dhoni said.
Chennai Super Kings will be desperate to turn things around when they face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the upcoming IPL fixture at home on April 25.
