Michael Hussey said CSK players and staff are upset after their fifth straight loss but still determined to fight back.
Chennai Super Kings’ batting coach Michael Hussey admitted the team is disappointed after suffering five consecutive defeats in IPL 2025. The latest loss came against Kolkata Knight Riders, who outplayed CSK with a dominant performance. Despite MS Dhoni returning as captain after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury, Chennai failed to turn things around.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Hussey mentioned the entire squad, including support staff, feels the pressure of underperforming and understands the fans’ frustration. However, the team remains hopeful and focused on making a comeback. With nine league matches left, CSK aims to build momentum and target a playoff spot.
“Well, this one hurts a lot. I mean, it does. The players are hurting and the support staff are hurting. And as I said earlier, the fans, I’m sure, are hurting with this one as well. This is a time when you find out who your true supporters are,” Hussey said.
“We’re certainly not putting the white flag up just yet. You only have to get in to scrape into that fourth [and final playoffs] place. And in a big, long tournament like the IPL, it is about momentum,” he added.
Notably, MS Dhoni scored just 1 run off 4 balls while batting at number nine. However, batting coach Michael Hussey expressed full confidence in Dhoni and head coach Stephen Fleming to keep the team united during this tough phase.
“I just know Stephen Fleming; he is a great coach. He will, really and MS Dhoni… he’s been a great captain for a long time as well. Ruturaj [Gaikwad] is still going to be around the team. I think they’ll really try and bring this team as tight and as close together. They will make sure there are no fractures, make sure we’re still sticking tight because I’m sure we’re going to cop plenty of criticism from the outside and look, we deserve it,” Hussey said.
CSK next face Lucknow Super Giants on April 14 away from home.
