MS Dhoni can’t fix CSK’s IPL 2025 mess, claims Stephen Fleming

Chennai Super Kings are facing one of their toughest seasons in IPL history, with just a single win in six matches so far in the ongoing season. As Chennai Super Kings gear up to face the in-form Lucknow Super Giants on Monday, April 14, in Lucknow, all eyes will be once again on MS Dhoni.

Notably, MS Dhoni took over the captaincy of CSK from Ruturaj Gaikwad in the last IPL 2025 match against the Kolkata Knight Riders after the regular skipper was ruled out of the tournament with an injury. However, Dhoni’s return as CSK captain was forgettable as they lost the game by 8 wickets against KKR.

CSK hoping for MS Dhoni magic to save their IPL 2025 campaign

Well, the fans of the Chennai Super Kings are hoping for a Dhoni miracle, but this turnaround won’t be easy. Even the CSK head coach, Stephen Fleming, made it clear that there’s no instant fix or magic move to rescue the five-time IPL champions’ sinking IPL 2025 campaign.

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The five-time champions have struggled badly this season, and Fleming admitted that it’s a huge task to get back on track, calling for patience as MS Dhoni is not a "soothsayer" and does not have a "magic wand" to fix the mess instantly in the tournament.

Fleming said that the team will have to work extra hard to find the right balance and energy. The head coach also stressed that both he and Dhoni have faced tough phases like this in their careers before, so they know it will take focus, smart decisions, and serious effort to bring their campaign back on track.

MS Dhoni is not a soothsayer: Stephen Fleming

Stephen Fleming was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo, “His [Dhoni's] influence will always be prominent, but he's not a soothsayer; he hasn't got a magic wand. He can't just rub it over the side; otherwise, he would have brought it out earlier.

It's a case of us working very hard along with MS to turn it around, and certainly in both of our cricketing careers, we've been in situations that require a lot of energy, and we've got to make sure that the energy is put in the right place.”

Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants, sitting comfortably in the top four with four wins in six games, will look to continue their winning momentum at home against CSK. On the other hand, there will be pressure on Chennai to rise from the bottom and show the fight that made them one of the most successful teams in IPL history.

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Stephen Fleming wants CSK to fight like champions

Notably, CSK won five IPL titles under Dhoni’s captaincy. Fleming revealed that the MS Dhoni-led CSK team is focusing on improving step by step in batting, bowling, and fielding. He admitted their poor fight in the last match against KKR was a big setback and has affected the team deeply, and there has been serious reflection within the squad.

The coach further noted, “So, there has certainly been a lot of internal soul searching but also a lot of work around what we need to do, and it is important that we put a performance out that is representative of the proud franchise that we are.”

'There's a lot of hurt.....'

He believes that the Chennai players need to use the pain of recent losses as motivation, forget the pressure, and step up with confidence when it matters most.

Fleming signed off by saying, “There's a lot of hurt that we can turn to motivation, but it is not about words; it is about players grabbing the moment, finding form, finding their groove, and almost shaking off any apprehension that can creep in.”