“Try to Qualify, but If Not…”: Dhoni Outlines CSK’s Next Steps After Crushing Loss to MI

MS Dhoni admits CSK must take it “one game at a time” as playoff hopes dim, and hints at shifting focus to securing a strong core for IPL 2026 if qualification slips out of reach.

📍 Mumbai | April 21, 2025

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni has acknowledged the uphill battle his side faces in IPL 2025, following their sixth loss in eight matches, placing them at the bottom of the table. After CSK’s nine-wicket drubbing at the hands of Mumbai Indians (MI) on Sunday at Wankhede, Dhoni addressed the team’s uncertain playoff prospects with characteristic composure—and strategic foresight.

“The important thing is to try and qualify. But if not, it will be crucial for us to get a secured XI for next year and bounce back strong,” Dhoni said after the match.

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📉 CSK’s Position: A Slippery Slope

With just four points from eight games and a negative net run rate of -1.392, CSK find themselves needing a miracle to remain in playoff contention. The five-time champions now need to win all remaining games and hope other results fall in place.

Dhoni, however, emphasized the need to stay practical and avoid emotional decisions.

“When we are not playing good cricket, what’s important is not to get too emotional. You want to be practical, plug the holes, and find the right balance.”

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🔁 Long-Term Vision: Build a Strong Core for IPL 2026

Should CSK fail to qualify, Dhoni made it clear the remaining matches will be used to test combinations and reduce chopping and changing ahead of the next season.

“You don’t want too many players getting changed. Getting a secure core XI and building on that will be key if we don’t make the cut this year.”

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🏏 Match Recap: MI vs CSK – Wankhede Woes

Put in to bat, CSK posted a modest 176/5, buoyed by:

• A promising cameo from debutant Ayush Mhatre (32 off 15 balls)
• Blistering half-centuries by Shivam Dube (50 off 32) and Ravindra Jadeja (53 off 35)*

Despite the solid finish, CSK failed to breach the 200-run mark, which Dhoni later admitted was crucial given the dew factor and MI’s power-packed batting lineup.

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💬 Dhoni on Missed Opportunities

Reflecting on the innings, Dhoni pointed to the death overs strategy and said CSK missed a chance to accelerate earlier—especially before Jasprit Bumrah’s spell.

“We all knew dew would come in. Once Bumrah started bowling his death overs, we should have started slogging earlier. We left 15-20 runs on the table.”

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🌟 Dhoni Praises Young Ayush Mhatre

CSK’s silver lining came in the form of 19-year-old Ayush Mhatre, who made an instant impression at his home ground.

“As a youngster, he batted really well. He picked his shots and played with freedom. That kind of approach helps the rest of the batting lineup.”

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📈 Points Table Snapshot (After Match 38)

Team	Matches	Wins	Losses	Points	NRR
CSK (10th place)	8	2	6	4	-1.392

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📌 Tags:

MS Dhoni, Chennai Super Kings, IPL 2025, MI vs CSK, Dhoni Press Conference, Ayush Mhatre, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, CSK Playoffs, Wankhede Stadium, Chennai Cricket, IPL Strategy