‘You only need to get into fourth place’: Michael Hussey says CSK can still target IPL 2025 Playoffs despite fifth defeat

“We are certainly not putting the white flag up just yet,” Hussey said after CSK’s harrowing loss to KKR. “You only have to get in to scrape into that fourth place. And a big, long tournament like the IPL, it is about momentum.

“We might be able to scrape into one of those last positions in the table come playoffs time. And it’s a long way ahead, and we certainly need to change things around. But we still believe that we can do that.”

Patience with youngsters

Despite the senior lot underperforming, Hussey said the youngsters will have to be patient to get a look-in. Hussey also backed the seniors led by MS Dhoni, who has taken over as captain from injured Ruturaj Gaikwad, citing the examples of Shane Watson and Ajinkya Rahane from previous seasons.

“We have had players in the twilight of their career come and play at CSK in the past,” Hussey noted. “I think of Shane Watson. I think of Ajinkya Rahane. And they’ve performed really well for CSK. So, I still think that the players that we’ve got still have some good cricket in front of them and can still offer us a lot. So, I don’t necessarily agree with the fact that they’re beyond their best,” Hussey told reporters.

“With regards to blooding youngsters, we want to pick guys when they’re ready to perform as well. We’ve got some very good players who are waiting for their chance. But sometimes I think when teams give up and think, ‘oh, well, we can’t win the tournament anymore, well, we’ll just try the youngsters now’. You know, give them a go. And, you know, we’re still here to try and progress in the tournament as far as we can.”