Chennai Super Kings (CSK), reeling from five consecutive losses, face a critical clash against the in-form Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Monday.

Rooted at the bottom of the IPL 2025 table with just one win in six games, CSK’s hope rests on MS Dhoni, who has returned as captain after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury. However, head coach Stephen Fleming warned fans not to expect instant miracles.

CSK’s disastrous season hit a new low with a humiliating 10.1-over defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where they posted their lowest-ever IPL total (103/9) at Chepauk.

Further, their batting has collapsed repeatedly, with no player crossing 150 runs this season and a league-worst powerplay strike rate (7.5). The middle order’s lack of firepower and timid boundary attempts (38.3% of balls faced) have compounded their struggles.

Fleming dismissed notions of Dhoni single-handedly reviving the team: “His influence will always be prominent, but he’s no soothsayer. He hasn’t got a magic wand.” The coach emphasized collective effort, urging players to “grab the moment” and shed apprehension.

“We’ve been in tough situations before, but turning this around needs energy in the right places,” he added.

While CSK’s 32 sixes in six games highlight their power-hitting woes, Fleming defended their approach: “Sixes aren’t everything. Craft still matters. I’d hate this to become a baseball contest.”

LSG’s Threat & Key Focus

LSG, fourth in the table with three straight wins, pose a formidable challenge. Nicholas Pooran, dubbed by Fleming as “the best player in the world right now,” looms large with 31 sixes and a strike rate of 215.

CSK’s spinners, including Ravichandran Ashwin (economy 15 in powerplay/death overs), must contain him.

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Shivam Dube, who limped off in CSK’s last game, is expected to play. However, their bowling unit faces LSG’s aggressive top order, which hasn’t lost a powerplay wicket in three matches.

Stakes & Stats

• Head-to-head: LSG lead 3-1 in five IPL meetings.
• CSK at Ekana Stadium: Winless in two games.
• LSG’s home record: 9 wins in 17 matches.

With playoffs slipping away, CSK need a dramatic turnaround, a performance worthy of a franchise that has won the IPL trophy five times.