IPL 2025: ‘Don’t See Them Coming Back’ – Ambati Rayudu Feels Dhoni’s CSK is Already Planning For Next Season

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Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu believes Chennai Super Kings' chances of making the IPL 2025 playoffs may have passed by following their 9-wicket loss to Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday (April 20).

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's CSK had instilled some hope of making a comeback when they snapped a five-match losing streak with a victory over Lucknow Super Giants in their previous outing, but the five-time champions went down to their lopsided defeat to their rivals MI.

Having already lost five in seven matches this season, CSK needed to win the remaining league stage matches to stay alive in the playoff race. Even now, they are mathematically in the equation for a top four finish, but former Super King feels the ship may have sailed thanks to the lack of intent so far this season.

Put into bat, CSK could only manage to put on 176/5 in their allotted 20 overs despite fifties from Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja. In response, MI made light work of the chase thanks to Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav's unbeaten fifties which powered them past the target with 26 balls to spare.

Speaking on Kuhl Fans Match Centre Live on JioHotstar, former cricketer-turned commentator Rayudu first commented on CSK's performance and what went wrong for them in the El Clasico in Mumbai. The ex Indian star questioned CSK's lack of intent as they posted a below-par total.

"It was those middle overs-around seven overs for just 35 runs-that cost them. No one plays like that anymore in T20 cricket. The game has evolved, and even during the middle overs, teams need to score at a healthy strike rate," Rayudu said on JioStar.

"CSK lacked intent. You can lose a game, but you have to fight. You can't just try to coast through a phase and hope to finish strong later. That pitch needed at least 190 to be competitive, and what CSK posted wasn't even par. It was below-par batting during the crucial middle phase."

When asked whether CSK still has a shot at a comeback this season, Rayudu added: "I don't see them coming back this season. Even Dhoni acknowledged that in his post-match comments-saying they're already looking ahead to the next season.

"They'll want to groom young players and build a culture of fearless, not reckless, cricket. They must play with more positive intent. Perhaps someone like Ayush Mhatre could get a full run from here on."

Dhoni had admitted that the goal now will be to find the best 11 for next season although the team will still fight and look to qualify for the playoffs, taking it one game at a time. In a scenario where Chennai fell short of expectations and concluded their campaign in the group stage, Dhoni revealed the focus would shift to finding the right combination for next year.

"Other than that, we are just trying to plug in the holes. With all the games that are in front of us that we are supposed to win, we just take it one game at a time, and if we lose a few, what will be important for us is to get the right combination for next year. You don't want too many players getting changed. What will be important is to try and qualify, but if not, get a secured 11 for next year and come back strong," Dhoni said after the 9-wicket loss.

Dhoni and CSK will next face fellow strugglers Sunrisers Hyderabad at home - MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday (April 25). A defeat against SRH will all but eliminate CSK from the playoff race as they can only get to 14 points if they win their remaining five matches.