Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have had a challenging IPL 2025, finding themselves as the first team out of playoff contention. Michael Hussey, CSK’s batting coach, insists the team won’t “panic and throw everything out” in reaction to this disappointing season.
While several factors have contributed to their struggles, including losing captain Ruturaj Gaikwad to injury and inconsistency in both batting and bowling, Hussey remains optimistic. “We’re not going to panic and throw everything out,” he stated before their match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). “We just need to tidy up a few areas. We’ve made too many mistakes with bat and ball, and in the field as well.”
The team sits at the bottom of the points table, having suffered from underperformance in the top and middle orders, and fielding issues with the second-highest dropped catches of the season. Despite these setbacks, Hussey believes in their potential, “We have match-winning players… and can definitely compete with any team.”
One unexpected setback has been their performance at home turf, Chepauk, where they’ve lost five home games in a season for the first time. “It’s surprising to lose so many games at home,” Hussey admitted. The bowling aspect, particularly affected by the dew and unfavourable toss results, has been a concern.
They face-off against teams away in Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad, as well as one last match at home against Rajasthan Royals (RR). Despite playoff qualification being out of reach, Hussey maintains an optimistic outlook, aiming to end the season on a high note, making incremental improvements in preparation for future campaigns.
The path ahead demands reflection and robust planning if CSK are to rise again in forthcoming tournaments.
