During commentary for Mumbai Indians' dominant nine-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings at Wankhede Stadium, former India cricketer Suresh Raina expressed concern over CSK’s alarming decline in IPL 2025. He remarked that he had never seen the team in such disarray, struggling for form and results. With six losses in their first eight matches, CSK currently sit at the bottom of the points table. Raina pointed to the lack of fresh ideas and shaky leadership, especially after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s absence led to MS Dhoni, now 43, taking over the captaincy again.

Raina, who spent 12 seasons with CSK and was a vital part of their golden era, believes that the franchise’s current troubles stem from poor auction strategies. The team appears to lack batting depth and explosive firepower, leaving them vulnerable against more balanced sides. Their inability to adapt or innovate mid-season is also becoming increasingly apparent. While Dhoni remains an iconic figure, his return to leadership hasn’t been enough to spark a turnaround. With playoff hopes fading fast, the spotlight is now on CSK’s think tank to reassess their direction, both for the remainder of the season and in preparation for future campaigns.

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“I think, from the coach and the management, the auction has not gone well this year,” Raina said on Star Sports. “There were so many youngsters, talented players in the auction, like Priyansh (Arya) who scored a 100 the other day. Even among the more senior players, you left Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul. When you see the other teams play, they are attacking so much. (In front of them,) I have never seen a CSK team struggle like this”, Raina told during his commentary stint.

Watch the video here;

Experts @ImRaina and @harbhajan_singh break down what’s gone wrong for CSK from the auction table to the pitch 📝

What are your views on the experts' take? 🤔#IPLRevengeWeek 👉 #KKRvGT | MON, 21 APR, 6:30PM on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/WsQQcAe5tH

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 21, 2025

Talent hunt team should be questioned: Harbhajan Singh

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, who previously played for CSK, remarked that he hadn't seen any young player in the current CSK squad capable of delivering a game-changing innings. He questioned the efforts of those responsible for scouting talent for the team, suggesting that they should be held accountable for whether they had provided accurate and effective information to the management, which ultimately influenced the selections made during the auction.

 “Among the youngsters, I have not seen anyone play for CSK who can play a game-changing innings. Those that hunt the talent pool for this team need to also be asked questions of whether they passed on the right information to the (management) based on which the selection (at the auction) took place”, Harbhajan Singh said.