IPL 2025: “We Never Got Any Partnerships”: MS Dhoni Reflects on CSK’s Fifth Straight Loss After Crushing Defeat to KKR

Stand-in captain MS Dhoni cites poor shot selection, lack of middle-order application, and absence of key partnerships as reasons for CSK’s continued slump in IPL 2025

Chennai, April 12: After suffering a fifth consecutive defeat in IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stand-in captain MS Dhoni offered a candid post-match analysis following his team’s eight-wicket loss to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Chepauk on Friday.

Sunil Narine’s scintillating all-round performance led KKR to chase down the modest target of 104 in just 10.1 overs, lifting them to third place on the points table. Meanwhile, CSK’s campaign continued to nosedive, leaving them stranded at ninth with only one win from six matches.

Reflecting on the performance, Dhoni admitted that lack of partnerships and poor shot selection were central to the team’s failure.

“It has been quite a few nights that have not gone our way,” Dhoni said. “Today, I felt we did not have enough runs on the board. When you lose too many wickets early, it becomes tough — especially against quality spinners. We never got any partnerships going. A bit more application, and we’d have been fine.”

Dhoni noted that conditions played a role, pointing out the sluggish nature of the pitch and how it behaved differently in the first innings compared to previous matches.

The veteran also addressed concerns over the underperforming middle order, emphasizing that without their contribution, CSK will continue to struggle.

“We’ve done well in a couple of games, so we need to back our strengths,” Dhoni remarked. “Our openers play proper cricket shots, not slogging. But chasing 60 or 70 runs in the death with no base is difficult. We need to build partnerships and adjust. The middle order must step up — if we lose early wickets, the approach has to change, and the slog must come later.”

The 43-year-old keeper-batter highlighted that CSK’s batting approach must evolve with situational awareness, calling for patience and composure at the crease.

With KKR’s dominant performance led by Narine (44 off 19 & 3/13), CSK finds itself in urgent need of a turnaround. Whether Dhoni can inspire a revival in the upcoming matches remains to be seen, but the legend’s message is clear: fundamentals, partnerships, and adaptability are key to halting the slide.