IPL 2025: Can Dhoni lead CSK to the Playoffs again?

M.S. Dhoni was announced as the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain for the remainder of the Indian Premier League 2025 season on Thursday, after Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out due to injury.

The veteran takes the reins of the five-time champion at a time when the team is struggling for form. CSK started its season with a win over Mumbai Indians at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium but lost the next four games.

The team currently sits in ninth place in the points table, with just two points from five matches. Table-toppers Gujarat Titans have eight points from as many games.

Can CSK still qualify for the Playoffs?

CSK still has nine games left in the league stage, four of which will be at home, starting with the Kolkata Knight Riders match on Friday.

Over the last three seasons, with 10 teams in the league stage, a minimum of 14 points has been required to secure fourth place and qualify for the Playoffs.

This means CSK must win six or seven of its remaining nine matches to advance. While this presents a tough challenge, the team remains in contention mathematically.

CSK can also draw inspiration from Kolkata Knight Riders’ 2014 campaign. KKR lost five of its first seven league-stage matches but then went on a nine-game winning streak to claim the title.

The longest winning run for CSK under Dhoni came in 2013, when the team secured seven consecutive victories. A similar run this season could see it progress to the Playoffs.