Photo via Rediff

'CSK Lacked Training Culture Under Dhoni'

Chennai Super Kings spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has criticized the franchise’s long-standing approach to player fitness and training, arguing that a lack of structured preparation under former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni contributed to recent underperformance. Ashwin, who has won five IPL titles with CSK—all under Dhoni’s leadership—highlighted that the team’s culture has historically prioritized instinctive gameplay over systematic conditioning, a shift he believes is now urgent.

With the IPL expanding to a longer season and players competing year-round, Ashwin emphasized the need for a high-performance training regimen, suggesting incoming coach Zaheer Khan—reportedly chosen by Dhoni—will drive this change. CSK’s recent finishes (10th in 2025, 8th in 2024) underscore the gap, as Khan prepares to lead a young squad under new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Ashwin contrasted CSK’s past with Virat Kohli’s Delhi Capitals, where fitness has been a cornerstone, and urged Khan to implement similar standards. The spinner’s remarks reflect broader concerns about adapting to modern demands, with Khan’s appointment seen as a pivotal moment for restructuring the team’s approach ahead of future campaigns.

Up nextCricket· 2h ago

The 'US$244 million' question: Can CSK’s brand outlast MS Dhoni?