CSK Have a Few Holes to Plug in Mini Auction — Dhoni Reflects on IPL 2025 Campaign
CSK have a few holes to plug in mini auction, says MS Dhoni, as Chennai Super Kings prepare for a major reset after another disappointing season in IPL 2025. For the first time in their history, CSK failed to reach the playoffs for two consecutive seasons, a situation that has left fans and the management searching for answers.
The five-time IPL champions struggled in the initial phase of IPL 2025, losing several close matches and facing injury setbacks. But towards the end of the season, a mini-comeback led by replacement players gave the franchise and its loyal supporters some hope for the future. CSK have a few holes to plug in mini auction
A Season Full of Struggles
Chennai Super Kings entered the IPL 2025 season with high hopes but failed to click as a unit. The batting lineup misfired, bowlers struggled for consistency, and key players were injured at crucial stages. As a result, CSK never gained momentum and found themselves out of playoff contention early.
Mid-season injuries forced the management to bring in new players like Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, and Urvil Patel. Interestingly, these replacements showed promise and injected some fresh energy into the team. This late turnaround provided a small silver lining in an otherwise forgettable season.
At an event hosted by Maxivision Super Speciality Eye Hospital in Chennai, MS Dhoni opened up about CSK’s season and what lies ahead. CSK have a few holes to plug in mini auction
“I would not say that we slacked off but there were certain holes that we needed to plug,” Dhoni admitted. “In the second half of the tournament, we were worried about our batting order; you know that people do bat at different positions. But I think that our batting order is quite sorted now.”
This statement from Dhoni signals that CSK will retain their promising young batsmen and focus on strengthening other areas in the mini auction, scheduled for December 2025.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Return Will Strengthen CSK
One of the biggest setbacks for CSK in IPL 2025 was the absence of regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, who missed most of the season due to injury. His return is expected to bring much-needed stability to the top order.
“Rutu will be coming back, so we are quite sorted,” Dhoni confirmed. “A small (mini) auction will be coming up in December. There are some holes and we will try to plug those.”
With Gaikwad leading from the front and players like Brevis and Mhatre supporting him, CSK’s batting is beginning to look strong again. CSK have a few holes to plug in mini auction
What Holes Need Plugging?
When Dhoni said CSK have a few holes to plug in mini auction, he was likely referring to these areas:
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Death Bowling: CSK struggled to contain runs in the final overs. They need a specialist death bowler.
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Spin Attack: With aging spinners, a young wrist-spinner could provide variety.
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Middle-Order Finisher: CSK missed a power-hitter in the lower-middle order.
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Backup Wicketkeeper: Dhoni’s future remains unclear, and a backup keeper might be essential.
MS Dhoni’s Future – Still a Mystery
Dhoni, now 44, has not confirmed whether he will return to play next season. While speaking at the Chennai event, he shared a light moment: CSK have a few holes to plug in mini auction
“I’ve been told my eyes are good enough to play cricket for five more years,” he smiled, sparking hope among CSK fans.
Although he didn’t officially announce a return, Dhoni’s involvement with CSK as a mentor, captain, or advisor seems almost certain. CSK have a few holes to plug in mini auction
Retentions and Auction Strategy
CSK have the option to retain promising players:
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Ayush Mhatre – Explosive in the middle overs
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Dewald Brevis – Known as “Baby AB”, strong T20 hitter
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Urvil Patel – Handy all-rounder
With a solid batting base, CSK can enter the IPL 2026 mini auction with clarity on which positions need reinforcement. CSK have a few holes to plug in mini auction
What Comes Next?
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December 2025: IPL Mini Auction
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March 2026: IPL 2026 kicks off
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CSK Planning: Focus on bowling depth, finishers, and backup options
CSK’s management will need to be smart with their picks to ensure the team starts IPL 2026 strongly.
Social Media Buzz
The moment Dhoni mentioned CSK have a few holes to plug in mini auction, fans jumped on the news across platforms. The hashtag #DhoniReturns is trending, as is #CSK2026Rebuild.
Final Thoughts
CSK have a few holes to plug in mini auction, but they have found clarity in their batting structure, especially with Ruturaj Gaikwad returning. With the right auction picks and team strategy, the Yellow Army can roar back into playoff contention in IPL 2026.
MS Dhoni may or may not take the field again, but his legacy continues to guide this team. All eyes are now on the December auction, where Chennai will aim to build a squad capable of winning their sixth IPL title.
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