The numbers don’t lie. CSK finished at the bottom of the table in IPL 2025. It was a season filled with missteps, misfires, and missed chances. But amid the chaos, one name continues to anchor hope—Dhoni.
As the Chennai Super Kings prepare for the next season, the management has doubled down on their faith in the legendary captain. CEO Kasi Viswanathan recently reaffirmed his support for Dhoni, noting both his leadership and belief in Shivam Dube’s batting potential. It’s a bold call. But then again, so was 2010.
What Does This Mean for the Average CSK Fan?
If you bleed yellow, you’re hoping for more than just a rebuild. You’re hoping for a repeat of one of cricket’s most iconic turnarounds. The 2010 IPL was when CSK, after a shaky start, went on to lift their first trophy. Back then, Dhoni didn’t just lead a team—he engineered belief.
Rewind to 2010: The Dhoni Playbook
Let’s not forget: CSK in 2010 wasn’t dominant. In fact, they barely made the playoffs. But that season revealed Dhoni at his best. He backed his players through bad form, adapted on the fly, and most importantly, kept his team calm under pressure.
Key traits of that success included:
- Unshakable Belief: The team didn’t lose heart, even during rough patches.
- Tactical Flexibility: Dhoni changed game plans mid-match, often turning the tide.
- Core Group Trust: He stood by players like Raina, Morkel, and Hayden when others wouldn’t.
- Calmness Under Fire: His serenity let others perform freely—a rare skill in T20 chaos.
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That last point? It might be the most valuable currency in modern cricket.
Dube 2.0: Dhoni’s New Morkel?
When the CEO singled out Shivam Dube, he sent a message: this is our guy. Dube’s shown flashes of brilliance, especially with power-hitting in the death overs. But consistency remains elusive.
Under Dhoni’s mentorship, Dube could evolve into the kind of dependable match-winner that CSK thrived on in 2010. Think of it as the “Albie Morkel arc”—the belief-first, results-later journey.
“MS backs you even when you doubt yourself.” – a sentiment echoed by multiple players over the years.
What’s Holding CSK Back?
Plenty. Their bowling lacked bite in 2025. The middle order collapsed far too often. Younger players didn’t step up, and veterans couldn’t keep up. If 2010 was about experience delivering under pressure, 2025 lacked both.
Rebuilding CSK isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about applying the 2010 lessons in today’s game. That means strategic buys, clear role definitions, and renewed locker-room belief.
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