MS Dhoni and CSK Face Tough Questions Ahead of LSG Clash as Hayden Sounds Warning

As the Chennai Super Kings prepare to face the Lucknow Super Giants in a crucial IPL 2025 fixture, pressure continues to mount on MS Dhoni and his underperforming squad. The five-time IPL champions sit at the bottom of the table with just two points from six games, having suffered five consecutive defeats.

Hayden Questions CSK’s Tactical Stubbornness

Former CSK opener and Australia legend Matthew Hayden has voiced concerns over the franchise’s current approach. Despite a heavy eight-wicket loss to Kolkata Knight Riders in their last match—where CSK managed just 103/9—Hayden believes the team is unlikely to make wholesale changes.

“Chopping and changing is not in CSK’s DNA,” Hayden said during a segment on JioStar. “They believe in backing their players and trusting the process. But without change, it becomes insanity—doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results.”

Hayden highlighted CSK’s lack of aggression in the powerplay, noting that the team doesn’t appear capable of consistently scoring 60 runs in the first six overs—an issue that has plagued them throughout the season.

Dhoni’s Influence Not Enough, Says Fleming

CSK head coach Stephen Fleming also addressed the team’s current slump ahead of their face-off against LSG. He defended Dhoni but admitted the former India captain cannot fix everything on his own.

“Dhoni’s influence is always prominent,” Fleming said at the pre-match press conference. “But he’s not a soothsayer. He hasn’t got a magic wand. It’s a collective responsibility. We all need to put in the energy to turn this around.”

Fleming emphasized that both he and Dhoni have experienced difficult phases in their careers and must now channel their experience and leadership to guide the squad out of this rut.

Injury Blow and a Teenage Replacement

In a further setback, CSK have lost Ruturaj Gaikwad for the remainder of the tournament due to an elbow fracture. The franchise has roped in 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre as his replacement. However, Mhatre will only join the squad ahead of CSK’s next match against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.

Can CSK Bounce Back?

With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, CSK need a massive turnaround, starting with the match against LSG. The team’s senior players, including Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, and Moeen Ali, must step up. The bowling unit, led by Deepak Chahar and Maheesh Theekshana, also needs to deliver under pressure.

CSK’s loyal fanbase, famously known for its patience and faith in “Thala” Dhoni, now awaits a spark. Whether that spark comes through tactical change, individual brilliance, or sheer resilience remains to be seen.

As Hayden rightly said, “CSK must find a point of difference.” For now, time—and opportunities—are running out.

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