Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, whose team is going through a tough time in the IPL, has urged some soul-searching within the team as they look ahead to the 2026 season.
After suffering a crushing nine-wicket loss against Mumbai Indians, Dhoni admitted the team was going through a tough time and stressed the need to establish a strong core for next year.
"We have to check if we are playing the correct type of cricket," Dhoni said, asking his colleagues to keep eyes on the larger picture and make sure they're in the right direction to create a "secure eleven" for the 2026 IPL.
Dhoni said some players "aren't applying themselves," but he also said he's near setting the core group for next year.
"With all the games in our way that we are supposed to win, we just take one game at a time and if we lose a few, what will be crucial for us is to get the right mix for next year," he said, admitting the team's situation following their embarrassing loss.
"You don't want too many players changing, what will be key is to try and qualify, but failing that, secure a safe 11 for next year and come back strong," he said.
Looking ahead to 2026, CSK’s core is expected to be youthful, with players like 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre, 20-year-old Shaikh Rasheed, 21-year-old Dewald Brevis, and 22-year-old Vansh Bedi forming the foundation of the batting lineup. Joining them are the 25-year-old Rachin Ravindra, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, and the power-hitting Shivam Dube.
Currently languishing at the bottom of the table with only two wins in eight games, CSK's playoff hopes look dim. The team will need a miracle to turn things around with only six games remaining.
"We succeed because we play good cricket and simultaneously, if we are not playing good cricket, what is crucial is that you don't get too upset about it. Simultaneously, you would like to be pragmatic," Dhoni said, looking back on the season's challenges.
Dhoni, rarely one to air his views on matters publicly, was frank in his assessment of his team's batting woes. CSK has consistently been unable to chase scores or score heavily.
"I felt we were way below par, because we knew dew will definitely come in the second half and we were there to take advantage of the middle overs," Dhoni said, pointing to his batters' cricketing acumen deficiency.
He said that he was convinced that the group of batters should have done more to utilize their slogging.
"I just felt that (Jasprit) Bumrah being amongst the top death bowlers in the world at the moment, when he (Bumrah) began early, that was the moment we should have taken advantage and started our slog a bit early. And even if Bumrah too goes for runs, that's an advantage. I feel there were some overs where we could have scored a little more runs. We wanted those runs because 175 with the dew factor in the evening is not a par score."
Despite losing, Dhoni complimented Mhatre's brilliant knock and termed it a silver lining for CSK.
"I think as a young guy he batted very well, and that is the kind of attitude that is required where you play your shots and at the same time you pick your shots that is your strength," Dhoni said of the young batter.
"He went and played his shots and we also haven't seen him much. So, it is a good sign for us at the top of the order that if he can continue playing the shots, it will become slightly easier for the middle and lower order," he said, looking ahead to the future.
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