IPL 2025: ‘safe for next year XI is more important’ – MS Dhoni reflects on CSK setback

Mumbai Indians on Sunday won the Chennai Super Kings 9-Vicches, chasing a target of 177 runs with 26 balls. MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings Struggled with their bowling performance, especially their spin pair of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, as Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav inspired Mumbai to win a loud victory.
The disadvantage leaves CSK under the table with just two wins from eight matches, seriously affecting their playoff qualification opportunities. Now he needs to win all his remaining matches to be in controversy.
The impressive start of Ayush Mahetre with Jadeja and Shivam Dubey could not compensate for the execution of poor bowling of CSK.

Dhoni, who handled captaincy duties due to Ruturaj Gikwad’s injury, indicated that the team could launch the plan for IPL 2026 if he fails to qualify for the playoffs.
Dhoni said in his later assessment, “We need to feel that we are successful because we play good cricket, and at the same time, when we are not playing good cricket, we should not be very emotional about it.”
“Some catch will help. Also we are just trying to plug into holes, with all the games that we are going to win, we take it a game at a time and if we lose something, what will be important for us to get the right combination for the next year.”
“You don’t want many players changing. What will be important to try and get merit, but if not, get a safe XI for the next year and come back strong.”
Dhoni, showing the nuances of the match, accepted his team’s subjugation and strategic miscaries.
“We were quite below. (We) knew that dew would come in the second half. One of the best death bowlers in the world, Bumrah, MI started bowling his death, we should have started our slogan quickly. We should be capitalized and they should get runs,” Dhoni explained.
The necklace highlighted CSK’s bowling weaknesses and a promising platform highlighted the inability to capitalize on their batting opportunities.