CSK Needs a Shock to the System: Why a 10th-Place Finish Could Spark a Rebuild

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been synonymous with success in the Indian Premier League (IPL), boasting five titles over 18 seasons. When you hear the name CSK, you immediately think of MS Dhoni’s leadership, Chepauk’s fortress-like aura, and their knack for winning with veteran players many considered past their prime. But in IPL 2025, the aura has faded. The fortress at Chepauk has crumbled, and CSK find themselves staring down an unfamiliar reality — a possible last-place finish.

This season has been brutal for the men in yellow. Their performances have fallen well below their usual standards, leaving their loyal fanbase stunned and silent. With a home loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad marking their fourth defeat at Chepauk — their joint-worst record at home — the writing appears to be on the wall. Once playoff regulars, CSK are now battling just to stay afloat. Their worst finish so far was 9th place in 2022, but this year, the dreaded 10th spot seems almost inevitable.

But perhaps this is the kind of shock CSK desperately needs.

A Necessary Shock

Speaking after CSK’s defeat to SRH, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag offered a blunt assessment. “I can’t say for sure whether Chennai will finish 10th or not, but if they do, that’s sweet too! Because then they’ll finally realize what it feels like to be at the bottom of the table,” Sehwag told Cricbuzz.

Sehwag’s point isn’t just about humiliation — it’s about realization. After years of unparalleled success, a wooden spoon finish could be the wake-up call CSK needs to reassess their entire setup and start planning for the future.

Former cricketer Rohan Gavaskar echoed similar sentiments, explaining why finishing dead last could actually be better than ending up 7th or 8th. “If Chennai finishes 10th, it’ll be a system shock. That shock will happen — and it could make them better for the next year,” he said. For Gavaskar, a minor disappointment might not spark major changes, but finishing last forces serious introspection and action.

Where Should the Changes Begin?

Many would think such a poor season calls for an overhaul of the management. However, Gavaskar believes otherwise. According to him, CSK’s management team — the same think tank that took them to 10 IPL finals — deserves continued trust. “There’s nothing wrong with the think tank. If you’ve played 10 finals in 17–18 seasons, your think tank is solid,” said Gavaskar.

Instead, he feels the change must come in the squad — the players. Cricket has evolved rapidly, and the brand of T20 cricket played today demands more youth, athleticism, and innovation. CSK’s reliance on aging stars, once a strength, is now looking like a liability.

Gavaskar suggests updating the personnel to suit the modern game while trusting the leadership group to guide the transition.

The Players Who Could Be Shown the Door

So, who is likely to make way? Sehwag believes big names could be on the chopping block. He named R. Ashwin, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Vijay Shankar as players who might not feature in CSK’s plans next season.

“I think Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, R. Ashwin, and Vijay Shankar — these are names we might not see in CSK next season,” Sehwag said. He stressed that CSK can no longer afford short-term thinking. “If you’re building a team — build it for the next ten years, not just one season. That era is probably over now.”

The focus needs to shift towards nurturing young talents who can form the team’s core for years to come rather than patching gaps season by season.

A Bitter Pill to Swallow

CSK still have five games left this season, but realistically, their path to the playoffs is blocked. Historically, CSK have bounced back strongly after poor seasons — a testament to their resilient culture. But this time, a deeper, more structural rebuild is required.

Sometimes, you need to hit rock bottom to find the motivation to rise again. For CSK, the bitter medicine of a last-place finish might just be the catalyst for another golden era — if they’re willing to learn the hard lessons and evolve with the times.

IT.