What CSK need to do to bolster their batting from IPL 2026 onwards? 

IPL 2025: Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) batting has been their biggest letdown—what must they fix ahead of IPL 2026?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been the poster child of the IPL for many years. But this year, with their below-par performance, their reputation as a champion team is starting to fade. The players are not delivering, and as a result, they find themselves at the bottom of the points table. 

This would be a good time for the think tank to recalibrate and start preparing for the upcoming seasons. Since their batting is flawed to the extent that it’s becoming a major concern, they need to seriously consider how to juggle their players to get the best out of them.

CSK’s early-wicket woes 
CSK have tried and tested a lot of combinations in the eight matches so far. They have already experimented with four openers, and none of them seems to be the right fit. Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway have scored only one half-century each, and their strike rates are not pleasing either. The debutant, Shaik Rasheed, yet to find his golden touch, and Rahul Tripathi also appears to be going through a lean patch — in five matches, his highest score has been just 23.

None of the top-order batters has fully utilised the powerplay. Despite having just two fielders outside the 30-yard circle, they’re not capitalising well. Their strike rates are quite mundane, barely crossing 130.00, whereas in the case of an opener, it should ideally be above 160.00 to set up a winning foundation.

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CSK’s top order performance in IPL 2025 so far: 

What’s more shocking is how the team has under-utilised their captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad. Even when he was fit to play, the management didn’t use him as an opener—despite knowing that he was picked for the national team as an opener, based on his consistent performances for CSK in the preceding years.

CSK’s middle order: A batting conundrum in IPL 2025 
A true middle-order batter knows how to carry the momentum initiated by the top order, and CSK’s middle order is standing true to their role — as they too are performing miserably.

But again, it’s hard to blame them solely, as it’s the franchise that seems unclear about their plans. After every two matches, the management is seen making changes in the playing XI. Sam Curran and Deepak Hooda — two quality players — have played only three and two games, respectively. This clearly signifies how the management is not backing their best players.

Another factor dragging the team down is the absence of any specialised middle-order batter. The team have plenty of all-rounders but not a single reliable batter to anchor the middle overs.

MS Dhoni’s batting position this season has left the cricketing fraternity puzzled. Even in crucial situations, he has walked in as low as No. 9—a position that hardly reflects his stature or skill set. Out of the 8 games CSK have played so far, Dhoni has batted at No. 5 only twice. Widely regarded as one of the greatest finishers and a powerful lower-order hitter, Dhoni’s impact is being underutilized. It seems CSK are struggling to fully capitalize on his strengths.

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CSK’s middle order’s performance in IPL 2025 so far: 

Conclusive comparison 

With previous editions 
Chennai Super Kings last lifted the IPL trophy in 2023, and the biggest difference between that title-winning campaign and the current season lies in the performance of their top four batters.

In 2023, the opening pair of Ruturaj Gaikwad (590 runs) and Devon Conway (672 runs) provided consistent starts, while the middle order featured Shivam Dube (418 runs), Ajinkya Rahane (326 runs), MS Dhoni (104 runs), and Ravindra Jadeja (190 runs). The team maintained a stable playing XI throughout the tournament, which played a crucial role in their success.

Fast forward to 2025, and no top-order or middle-order batter has crossed the 250-run mark so far. That’s been the most significant letdown for the franchise. It’s incredibly difficult to win an IPL title if your top order isn’t regularly contributing—whether it’s setting up a strong total while batting first or providing momentum in the powerplay while chasing.

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With other franchisees
Table-toppers Gujarat Titans (GT) have found success this season largely due to the stability in their batting lineup—and it’s clearly paying off. At the halfway stage of the tournament, their top three—Sai Sudharsan (417 runs), Jos Buttler (356 runs), and Shubman Gill (305 runs)—have all crossed the 300-run mark, providing consistent starts and strong platforms.

Similarly, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have also benefited from top-order consistency, with all of their top-order batters featuring among the tournament’s top 10 run-scorers so far.

What needs to be done?
First and foremost, CSK need to identify top-order batters who can maximize the Powerplay and consistently score at a strike rate of 150 or above. Equally important is finding middle-order players who can maintain that momentum and finish games with a strike rate in the 160–170 range.

Right now, CSK’s style of play feels overly cautious. They lack impactful options both at the top and in the middle order. The absence of specialists for specific roles has made it difficult for them to keep up with the fast-paced demands of modern T20 cricket. 2025 may not be a season to remember for CSK, but with the right adjustments—especially in personnel and intent—they have every chance to bounce back stronger in 2026.

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