The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) experienced a historically challenging IPL 2025 season, culminating in their first-ever finish at the bottom of the points table.
Despite a resounding 83-run victory over the Gujarat Titans in their final match, CSK's overall performance, comprising only four wins in 14 matches, was insufficient to elevate them from the last position.

The season began with Ruturaj Gaikwad taking over the captaincy from MS Dhoni. However, Gaikwad's campaign was marred by injuries, limiting his participation and impact. This led to Dhoni resuming leadership duties mid-season, which may have disrupted team dynamics and strategic continuity.
CSK’s strategy of relying on seasoned players backfired. High-profile acquisitions like Ravichandran Ashwin, bought for ₹9.75 crore, managed only seven wickets in nine matches with an economy rate of 9.12 - his least effective IPL season. Also MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Devon Conway and other big names were mostly a disappointment this season.
The top-order consistently underperformed, with a combined average of just 23.68. Poor starts put added pressure on the middle and lower order, often resulting in below-par totals.
CSK’s reluctance to adapt modern T20 strategies, combined with an overdependence on veteran players, proved costly. Lack of flexibility in approach and minimal opportunities for young players were glaring issues.
With that, CSK finished at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table, a feat for the first time in their history. The five-time IPL champions started the season and finished it with victories, but in between, just two wins in 12 matches tells the sad story.
CSK have become the 10th team to finish in the bottom of the table in an IPL season. In the tournament's history, Delhi Daredevils is the team which finished the most times at the bottom, a staggering 4 times in their history.
| Season | Team | Points |
| IPL 2025 | CSK | 8 |
| IPL 2024 | MI | 8 |
| IPL 2023 | SRH | 8 |
| IPL 2022 | MI | 8 |
| IPL 2021 | SRH | 6 |
| IPL 2020 | RR | 12 |
| IPL 2019 | RCB | 11 |
| IPL 2018 | DD (Delhi Daredevils) | 10 |
| IPL 2017 | RCB | 7 |
| IPL 2016 | PBKS | 8 |
| IPL 2015 | PBKS | 6 |
| IPL 2014 | DD | 4 |
| IPL 2013 | DD | 6 |
| IPL 2012 | PWI (Pune Warriors India) | 9 |
| IPL 2011 | DD | 9 |
| IPL 2010 | PBKS | 8 |
| IPL 2009 | KKR | 7 |
| IPL 2008 | Deccan Chargers | 4 |