Intent, Intent and More Intent: CSK’s New Approach Under Dhoni Finds the Win

For the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the 2025 IPL season has marked more than just another chapter in their storied legacy—it’s been a resurgence shaped by a simple mantra: intent. Under the ever-iconic leadership of M.S. Dhoni, the franchise has embraced a fresh approach, one that has breathed new life into the team’s performance and mentality. And in their latest emphatic win, that new outlook was on full display.

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Back to Basics, but with Fire

In recent seasons, CSK was often criticised for playing conservative cricket—relying too heavily on experience, lacking firepower in the middle overs, and struggling to adapt to modern T20 trends. But Dhoni, the master of reinvention, has responded not with words but with strategy. In the last few matches, CSK has displayed a brand of cricket that is fearless, proactive, and explosive.

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From the very first over, there’s a noticeable change. Whether it’s Ruturaj Gaikwad taking the aerial route in the Powerplay or Shivam Dube walking in with the clear license to attack, the team’s intent is no longer a reaction—it’s the plan.

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Aggression with the Bat

CSK’s batting blueprint this season has centered around maximizing the field restrictions early and maintaining momentum through the middle overs. In their most recent match, this new DNA was unmistakable. Gaikwad set the tone with an audacious 38 off 18, followed by Dube’s blistering 54* off 26 balls. Even Dhoni, often reserved for late cameos, promoted himself and smashed a 17-run over that tilted the match decisively.

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The middle order, once seen as a vulnerability, has turned into a fortress. Thanks to intent-driven role clarity, each batter now knows when and how to accelerate. As Dhoni stated in the post-match chat, “It’s not just about hitting big—it’s about showing purpose with every ball.”

Bowling with Bravery

It’s not just the batsmen showing more intent. CSK’s bowlers, too, have embraced the philosophy. Deepak Chahar and Tushar Deshpande have been aggressive with the new ball, swinging it and attacking the stumps. Meanwhile, spin twins Ravindra Jadeja and Maheesh Theekshana are no longer just containing—they’re hunting.

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In the last game, Theekshana’s attacking lines earned him 3 wickets, and Jadeja’s fearless approach brought crucial breakthroughs. There’s a distinct shift: bowlers are setting the tone rather than waiting for mistakes.

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Dhoni’s Subtle Yet Strong Influence

While his bat may not always be front and center, Dhoni’s fingerprints are all over CSK’s transformation. His captaincy remains as sharp as ever—setting innovative fields, trusting youngsters, and timing his bowling changes to perfection. But more than tactics, it’s his calm belief in purposeful cricket that has galvanized the team.

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The dressing room vibe has changed too. Youngsters like Sameer Rizvi and Nishant Sindhu are being trusted in high-pressure roles—another sign that the team isn’t just planning for the now, but also the future.

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Eyes on the Playoffs

With this renewed approach, CSK now sits comfortably in the top half of the table and has momentum on its side. The phrase “intent” may sound like a buzzword, but in Chennai’s case, it has become the fuel behind their reawakening.

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As Dhoni continues what could be his final campaign as captain, CSK’s message is clear: they’re not here to participate—they’re here to dominate, one fearless game at a time.

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Intent is no longer a mindset. It’s CSK’s identity.