IPL 2025: CSK, MI, and SRH finally break their losing streaks — could this signal a shift in momentum as the tournament enters its second leg?
After a slow and shaky start to IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mumbai Indians (MI), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have staged remarkable comebacks that have not only rejuvenated their campaigns but also added a fresh twist to the points table. With tactical adjustments, standout individual efforts, and a renewed sense of purpose, these three franchises are proving why they’re perennial contenders and should never be written off. Here’s a look at how each team has turned its fortunes around.
Chennai Super Kings – Experience Meets Fresh Energy
Chennai Super Kings seemed out of sync during the early stages of the season, struggling to find rhythm, intent, and the right combinations. But as always, CSK’s trademark calmness under pressure has come to the fore. Their recent win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) was a turning point, and much of the credit goes to a blend of smart leadership and youthful exuberance.
MS Dhoni, once again stepping into the captain’s shoes after Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out for the rest of the season, brought clarity and control to the side. His sharp glovework behind the stumps and finishing prowess with the bat continue to make a difference. The inclusion of young Shaikh Rasheed has injected freshness into the top order, his confident strokeplay has allowed the senior batters to express themselves more freely.
Tactical tweaks like promoting Ravindra Jadeja up the order have also worked in CSK’s favour, bringing more balance to their middle overs. The team has even improved in the field, dropping just one catch in their recent game, three fewer than their season average, a sign of their improved intensity. After five consecutive defeats, CSK’s turnaround has reminded fans that when Dhoni is in charge, there’s always hope.
Read More: IPL 2025, LSG vs CSK, Highlights: CSK break jinx; Dhoni, Dube take their side home
Mumbai Indians – From Tension to Transformation
Mumbai Indians’ campaign in IPL 2025 started on shaky ground, losing their first two games and struggling to find cohesion under pressure. With Hardik Pandya now the full-time captain, the team entered the season hoping to put past controversies behind and build a fresh identity. However, early setbacks once again raised questions about leadership dynamics and team balance.
But MI, known for peaking late in tournaments, have shown signs of revival. A dominant win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede helped them break the rut, although inconsistency continued to haunt them briefly. The return to form of key players like Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and the emerging brilliance of Naman Dhir has added much-needed spark. Ryan Rickelton has also chipped in at the top, making MI’s batting unit more threatening.
What has stood out is the sense of unity despite the leadership change. In a striking example, even after Rohit Sharma was substituted out as an Impact Player in the second innings against Delhi Capitals, he continued to guide and support Hardik from the sidelines. The image of Rohit offering inputs while sitting on the bench was a subtle reminder of the shared purpose within the MI camp.
With Bumrah spearheading the bowling attack and Hardik settling into his role as skipper, MI’s campaign is slowly gaining steam. Their recent performances reflect a side beginning to trust the process again, and if they maintain this upward trajectory, they could very well be back in the playoff conversation soon.
Such a great game of cricket. Lesson once again that you never lose hope. Wins for @SunRisers and @mipaltan have just made this #TataIPL2025 so much more interesting.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 13, 2025
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Sunrisers Hyderabad – When the Batting Finally Clicks
SRH’s journey this season has been a rollercoaster, largely due to an inconsistent batting lineup. For a while, the team relied too heavily on individual performances without a cohesive display. But their recent clash against Punjab Kings turned the tide. It was a near-perfect outing, where almost everything came together for the Orange Army.
Abhishek Sharma lit up the evening with a record-breaking century, displaying controlled aggression and clean hitting. Travis Head supported him with a quickfire fifty, while Heinrich Klaasen was sent in at No. 3 and adapted beautifully to the role. Ishan Kishan, too, got valuable time at the crease, suggesting SRH’s top order is finally coming together.
What made the performance even more special was their versatility in bowling. Harshal Patel, thrown the new ball, delivered with precision in the powerplay, while the inclusion of Ehsan Malinga added a new dimension to their pace attack. It was a rare occasion where the team functioned like a well-oiled machine—something they’ll want to replicate in the crucial phase ahead.
As IPL 2025 enters its mid-season crunch, the resurgence of CSK, MI, and SRH has made the playoff race wide open. All three teams have shown character, tactical acumen, and the willingness to adapt, qualities that define champions. If their current momentum holds, fans can expect an exhilarating finish to what’s shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable seasons in recent memory.
Read More: IPL 2025, SRH vs PBKS, Highlights: Abhishek Sharma tsunami leaves Punjab clueless; Sunrisers win
