Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey has admitted that the five-time IPL champions have underperformed in IPL 2025, but insisted the franchise won’t panic or make wholesale changes despite being the first team eliminated from playoff contention.
Speaking to the media ahead of CSK's clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Hussey admitted that the team had made "too many mistakes" in the season.
“We're certainly not going to panic and throw everything out just because it hasn't gone well this year. We definitely need to tidy up on a few areas. We've made too many mistakes with bat and ball, and in the field for that matter," he said.
A series of setbacks has derailed CSK’s campaign. They lost captain Ruturaj Gaikwad to injury early in the tournament, their top and middle order have struggled for consistency, and the bowling attack didn't really show up.
To add more fuel to the fire, their fielding has been below par this season. Despite sitting at the bottom of the table, Hussey remains hopeful.
“I actually don't think we're too far away. We have some match-winners in the line-up, and things just haven’t clicked. It's fine margins in this competition… little things going your way or against you make all the difference.”
Losing at Chepauk has hurt us: Hussey
Hussey admitted the most disappointing part of the campaign has been the failure to perform well at their home ground. For the first time in history, CSK have lost five matches at Chepauk.
“It's surprising, isn't it, to lose so many games at home. Dew has played a part, and we've been on the wrong side of the toss a few times. Other teams are also adapting better to Chepauk conditions.”
However, Hussey also admitted that the team's shortcomings haven’t been confined to home fixtures.
“I don't think it necessarily comes down to just Chepauk. It’s just the way we’ve played overall. Whether home or away, the results may have gone this way regardless.”
Hussey concluded by saying that the team would look to win the remaining matches and end the season on a high. CSK will return to action on May 3, where they will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
