IPL 2025: 'Secure playing XI for next year more important' - MS Dhoni reflects on CSK setback

Mumbai Indians secured a commanding 9-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, chasing down a target of 177 runs with 26 balls remaining. MS Dhoni's CSK struggled with their bowling performance, particularly their spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, as Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav led Mumbai to an emphatic win.
The loss leaves CSK at the bottom of the table with just two wins from eight matches, severely impacting their playoff qualification chances. They now need to win all their remaining matches to stay in contention.

Ayush Mhatre's impressive debut cameo, along with half-centuries from Jadeja and Shivam Dube, couldn't compensate for CSK's poor bowling execution.
Dhoni, who took over captaincy duties due to Ruturaj Gaikwad's injury, indicated the team might start planning for IPL 2026 if they fail to qualify for playoffs.
"What we need to realise is that we are successful because we play good cricket, and at the same time, when we are not playing good cricket, what is important is not to get too emotional about it," Dhoni said in his post-match assessment.
"Few catches will help. Other than that we are just trying to plug in the holes, with all the games that are in front of us that we are supposed to win, we just take it one game at a time and if we lose a few, what will be important for us is to get the right combination for next year."
"You don't want too many players getting changed. What will be important is to try and qualify, but if not, get a secured XI for next year and come back strong."
Reflecting on the match's specifics, Dhoni acknowledged his team's subpar performance and strategic miscalculations.
"We were quite below par. (We) knew dew would come in the second half. Bumrah, one of the best death bowlers in the world, MI started their death bowling early, we should have started our slog early. We should have capitalised and got those runs," Dhoni explained.
The defeat highlighted CSK's bowling weaknesses and their inability to capitalize on their batting opportunities, despite having a promising platform.