MS Dhoni displays on disappointing loss in opposition to SRH in IPL 2025

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni expressed disappointment after his team was bowled out for 154, leading to a five-wicket loss against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). This marks CSK’s seventh loss in nine IPL 2025 matches and their first-ever home defeat to SRH.

Batting collapse and missed opportunities

CSK looked set for a higher score but lost six wickets for just 40 runs after reaching 114 for 4 in the 13th over. Dhoni talks about the game, saying, “I think we kept losing wickets and another thing is I felt, in the first innings, the wicket was slightly better, and 155 [154] isn’t a justifiable rating as a result of it wasn’t turning so much.” He added that higher operating between the wickets and setting a better goal may have made a distinction.

“In a tournament like this, if you have one or two areas where you can plug in the holes it is good, but if majority of your players are not doing well, it becomes very difficult. Because you have to do a few changes, but if majority are doing well then you give those guys that extra few games and if it doesn’t work out than you move onto the next one. But if 4 of them are not performing at the same time, you are bound to make that change, because you can’t just keep on going.” He added.

Appreciation for Dewald Brevis

One positive aspect for CSK was the performance of young Dewald Brevis, who played his first game of the season. Coming in as an injury replacement, Brevis top-scored with 42 runs off 25 balls, including four sixes. Dhoni praised Brevis for his contribution but the team’s struggles against spin bowling. “I think he (Brevis) batted really well, and we need something like that in the middle order. Where we have slightly struggled is when the spinners come in.”

Areas for improvement

Dhoni talks about the need for his team to improve their performance in the middle overs, especially against spin. “We have not been able to dominate or get runs against the spinners at a good pace in the middle. So that’s one area where we want to improve because middle overs are very crucial,” he said.

CSK virtually knocked out

The loss leaves CSK at the bottom of the IPL table with just four points from nine games. They have particularly struggled at home, losing four out of five matches at Chepauk. They are now virtually knocked out now. Their next match is against Punjab Kings on April 30, who previously defeated CSK by 18 runs earlier this season. With their playoff hopes dwindling, CSK will be aiming for a turnaround in the upcoming games.