Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) hopes of making it to the IPL 2025 playoffs took a serious hit on Sunday after a dominant Mumbai Indians (MI) handed them a crushing nine-wicket defeat at the Wankhede Stadium. With just two wins from eight matches, CSK now sit at the bottom of the points table. The five-time champions have six league games left, and while they are not mathematically out of contention, their road to qualification has become increasingly difficult. Speaking after the match, stand-in captain MS Dhoni admitted that while the team is still aiming for the knockouts, they are also preparing for the possibility of not making it. “With all the games in front of us that we are supposed to win, we will just take it one game at a time. And if we lose a few, what will be important for us to get the right combination for next year," Dhoni said. Dhoni was clear about the direction the team might take if results don’t go their way. “We don't want too many players getting changed. So, I think what will be important is to try to qualify. But if not, get a secured eleven for the next year and come back strong.” The legendary CSK skipper emphasised the need to stay composed, even in a tough season. “What we need to realise is that we are successful if we play good cricket. At the same time, if we're not playing good cricket, what is important is not to get too emotional about it. But at the same time, you want to be practical. So, there have been instances, one of the seasons, I think 2020, which was not great for us,” Dhoni said. Dhoni also mentioned how the team has got more questions to answer currently, especially with the way they want to play the game. “But we need to see whether we are playing the right form of cricket. Whether we are applying ourselves, trying to put the amount of runs on the board that's what is needed for the bowlers to save. So, those are the question marks that we have got. A few catches, that will help. But other than that, we are just trying to plug in the holes.” Rohit Sharma takes down CSK Rohit Sharma scored his first half-century of IPL 2025, helping MI to win by nine wickets against their arch-rivals CSK. Also READ: Sehwag Slams Maxwell & Livingstone Before RCB vs PBKS Clash Batting first, CSK managed to score 176/5 in their 20 overs. Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja smashed half-centuries, helping the team to get to the total. In response, MI chased the target with ease in the 16th over, thanks to Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav's half-centuries. With this win, MI move 6th in the points table with four wins and as many losses.