Chennai Super Kings Coach Reflects on Underwhelming IPL 2025 Season

CSK's Struggles in IPL 2025

Michael Hussey, the batting coach for Chennai Super Kings, has acknowledged that the five-time IPL champions have not met expectations in the 2025 season. Despite being the first team to be eliminated from playoff contention, he emphasized that the franchise will not overreact or implement drastic changes.

Ahead of their upcoming match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Hussey noted that the team has committed "too many errors" throughout the season.

“We’re certainly not going to panic and throw everything out just because it hasn’t gone well this year. We definitely need to tidy up on a few areas. We’ve made too many mistakes with bat and ball, and in the field for that matter,” he stated.

A series of unfortunate events has hindered CSK's performance. The team lost their captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, to injury early on, and both the top and middle order have struggled with consistency. Additionally, the bowling unit has not performed up to par.

Their fielding has also been substandard this season. Despite currently sitting at the bottom of the standings, Hussey remains optimistic.

“I actually don’t think we’re too far away. We have some match-winners in the line-up, and things just haven’t clicked. It’s fine margins in this competition… little things going your way or against you make all the difference,” he remarked.

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Challenges at Home Ground

Hussey expressed that one of the most disappointing aspects of the season has been the team's inability to perform well at their home ground. For the first time in IPL history, CSK has lost five matches at Chepauk.

“It’s surprising, isn’t it, to lose so many games at home. Dew has played a part, and we’ve been on the wrong side of the toss a few times. Other teams are also adapting better to Chepauk conditions,” he noted.

However, Hussey acknowledged that the team's issues extend beyond their home matches.

“I don’t think it necessarily comes down to just Chepauk. It’s just the way we’ve played overall. Whether home or away, the results may have gone this way regardless,” he added.

In conclusion, Hussey stated that the team aims to secure victories in their remaining matches to finish the season positively. CSK is set to play again on May 3 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.