IPL 2025 – You can never write off CSK: Shane Watson says MS Dhoni & Stephen Fleming still trying to address a few gaps | Ipl News

As the Indian Premier League race starts to heat up, former CSK star Shane Watson has offered fans a deeper look into what makes the Chennai Super Kings tick, even against the odds stacked against them.
Reflecting on the early tremors in CSK’s campaign this season, Watson didn’t hold back. “It’s been a surprising start for CSK,” he said as an expert on JioStar. “They’re usually one of the most settled sides post-auction, but this year they’ve had to shuffle a bit more than usual. That’s not something you see often with this franchise.”
Watson, who was a key part of CSK’s title-winning journey in 2018, drew a sharp contrast between the past and the present. “During my time with the team, Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni would have the roles for every player mapped out even before the tournament began. You always knew your job, and that clarity made all the difference. But this time, post-auction, there seem to be a few gaps they’re still working on.”
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Yet, true to form, CSK may have already begun their course correction.
“In their last match, they fielded a much more balanced line-up,” Watson noted. “Opening with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra gave them the kind of solid start that CSK thrives on. Add Ruturaj Gaikwad at No. 3, and suddenly the top order starts to look more like CSK again. When they tried Tripathi up top earlier, it left too many vulnerabilities down the line.”
For Watson, it all comes down to CSK doing what they’ve always done best and that’s adapting and rallying together when it matters.“With a few games under their belt and some consency in the line-up, they’ll find their rhythm again. A strong top three sets the tone, and that makes it much easier for the middle and lower order to capitalise, especially when you have someone like Dhoni finishing.”
Speaking of Dhoni, Watson had nothing but praise for his former captain.Story continues below this ad
“You can never write off CSK. Whether it’s Fleming, Dhoni, or the franchise as a whole, they always find a way to turn things around. Dhoni might not bat long innings anymore, but he’s still an absolute master of the finish. His role now is to close out games, and he’s doing that exceptionally well. The top order just needs to give him the platform.”