Gaps in CSK squad plugged in second half of IPL 2025: Dhoni

Chennai Super Kings had a forgettable time in the IPL earlier this year, but M.S. Dhoni feels the team plugged the gaps in the squad in the second half of the season and exuded confidence about the future.

Dhoni led the team in nine matches after regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was injured, and the team finished last with just four wins.

“There were certain holes that we needed to plug. We were slightly worried about our batting order. But I think our batting order is quite sorted out now. Rutu (Gaikwad) will be coming back. So it looks like we are quite sorted,” Dhoni said at the launch of Maxivision Super Speciality Eye Hospitals here on Saturday.

Though CSK hasn’t qualified for the Playoffs in the last two seasons, the former India skipper explained that the team has always been good at identifying the shortcomings and addressing them.

“I feel more often than not, we have been able to figure out what exactly went wrong. A small auction is coming in December, some loopholes are there, and we will try to plug those,” he added.

“You have to be at your best at the start of the tournament and get the planning right. You have to use the resources in the best possible manner. We will try to sort out most of the things and will hopefully be at our best.”

Between seasons, there is always speculation about Dhoni’s future. While he did not explicitly reveal his plans, the 44-year-old dropped a hint when he quipped, “I just got a tick mark that I can play cricket for the next five years. But the catch is that I have been given clearance only for eyesight. I need clearance for my body as well. I cannot play cricket just with my eyes alone.”