Suresh Raina decodes CSK's strategic blunders amid poor IPL 2025; ex-star says ‘Dhoni can't have this type of auction’

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have got it all wrong in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). From the form of the batters to losing captain Ruturaj Gaikwad midway into IPL 2025, nothing has worked for the five-time champions. Even the return of MS Dhoni as the captain of the side failed to revive the fortunes as CSK stand last after seven losses in nine matches so far in IPL 2025.

Former CSK star and one of the long-standing soldiers of Dhoni, Suresh Raina felt the franchise got it wrong at the auction itself last year. Over the last one and a half decades, Dhoni had a say in how the team should shape up at the auction. But with the kind of performances this season, Raina felt Dhoni was not a part of the team making process for IPL 2025.

"Kasi Viswanathan has been handling the administration for a long time. Rupa ma'am, is handling buying the player, administration etc. MS knows, whoever is sitting, this time players have not been bought properly," Raina said on a Star Sports show.

With a ₹55 crore purse, CSK focused on domestic names whose IPL career have been under radar for the past few seasons. Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad and Khaleel Ahmed were the only two buys that have impressed for CSK this season.

Speaking on the accountability of player selection in the auction, Raina blamed the management for the players bought. "They always make a call to MS. But to be very honest, I have never attended any of the auctions. I was never a part of those discussions. I always talked about the players who were retained. MS might get a call about whether to go ahead with a player or not - but he's not that involved," Raina explained.

The former all-rounder also questioned the likes of retained players took home big bucks. "Dhoni can't have this type of auction. He would maybe name four or five players he wants, and out of them, a few would be retained. Even if an uncapped player is working hard, look at MS Dhoni-—being a 43-year-old captain, still giving everything.

"He is giving that effort, what are the other 10 players doing. What are the guys doing who are earning ₹18 crore, ₹17 crore, ₹12 crore. They are not responding to the captain," added Raina.

What's next for CSK?

CSK's chances for playoffs are all but over after their last defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad. They have five games left and need to win all to stay in contention for a spot in the playoffs and also hope other results go their way. CSK next face host Punjab Kings in Chennai on April 30.

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