Why are Chennai Super Kings struggling in IPL 2025?

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won their first match in the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, they have suffered three consecutive defeats since then.

The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side defeated the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai in their opening encounter. However, the Men in Yellow have since lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Delhi Capitals (DC).

The Super Kings are languishing at No. 9 on the points table with a net run rate (NRR) of -1.612. Their next clash is against the Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh on Tuesday, April 8. In this analysis, CricTracker looks at some aspects that are not clicking for the five-time champions in the ongoing season.

What is wrong with Chennai Super Kings?

3. Rachin Ravindra's sudden dip in form

Rachin Ravindra had been in stunning form coming into the tournament. He was the leading run-getter in the Champions Trophy, amassing 263 runs from four games, and was also the Player of the Tournament. Chennai opted to play him ahead of the Kiwi teammate and more experienced Devon Conway, hoping to cash in on the all-rounder's form.

Ravindra started the 2025 season with a match-winning half-century against Mumbai. He followed it up with a 31-ball 41 against RCB. However, in the last two games, he has registered scores of 0 and 3. Rahul Tripathi opened in the first three games for the former champions. However, he looked a pale shadow of his former self. In the last encounter, CSK played Conway at the top of the order, along with Ravindra. Nonetheless, both batters failed to make a mark.