The 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was nothing short of a nightmare for the Chennai Super Kings. The five-time champions finished dead last on the points table, managing just four wins and collecting a mere eight points across the tournament, their worst-ever campaign in franchise history.
A large part of CSK’s downfall stemmed from a flawed strategy that prioritised all-rounders over proven specialists. The batting unit lacked firepower and intent, while the bowling attack failed to deliver breakthroughs at crucial moments. To make matters worse, the fielding was subpar, with numerous dropped chances adding to the team’s woes.
Among the major disappointments this season was Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, who endured a forgettable campaign marred by inconsistency and fitness issues.
What Went Wrong with CSK?
Despite flashes of potential from youngsters like Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel, and Dewald Brevis, CSK struggled to build any momentum. Their bowlers conceded runs at an alarming economy rate of 9.58, including a staggering 41 sixes during the powerplay – the second-most by any team in the tournament.
Only four CSK bowlers reached double-digit wickets across the season, and there’s now a strong sense that the franchise will look to overhaul their bowling department ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. MS Dhoni, who returned in a stand-in capacity this season, has already hinted at changes on the horizon.
Pathirana’s Decline: From Weapon to Liability
Once hailed as CSK’s go-to bowler at the death, Matheesha Pathirana’s form has nosedived. The Sri Lankan speedster had built a reputation for delivering under pressure, especially in the latter half of an innings. His initial rise with CSK was nothing short of remarkable in 2023, he claimed 19 wickets in 12 matches at an economy of 8.0, followed by 13 wickets in just six games in 2024 before a hamstring injury cut his season short.
That injury, however, seems to have had lasting effects. Since his return, Pathirana has struggled with rhythm, accuracy, and fitness. He was picked up as a wildcard by Joburg Super Kings (CSK’s sister franchise) for the SA20 2025, but his performances were underwhelming. In six matches, he picked up just three wickets at a bowling average of 59.33, leaking runs at 10.47 per over. One of his lowest points came against Durban Super Giants, where he bowled seven wides in a single spell and conceded 34 runs in just three overs.
Back in the IPL, things didn’t improve. Despite being retained for Rs 13 crore, Pathirana returned 13 wickets from 12 matches at an economy of 10.13. Worryingly, his first delivery in almost every game was a wide, underlining his lack of control. Over the course of the season, he bowled 26 wides, contributing significantly to CSK’s bowling chaos.
Adding to the frustration is his unreliability. Pathirana has never completed a full IPL season without missing games due to injury. For a player occupying such a significant budget chunk, that’s a major red flag.
Time for a Change? Enter Nathan Ellis
With Pathirana’s future at CSK uncertain, the franchise could look at alternative options and one name that stands out is Nathan Ellis. The Australian pacer featured in just one match for CSK in IPL 2025 but remains highly rated for his deceptive slower deliveries and accurate yorkers.
Ellis recently led the Hobart Hurricanes to their first-ever Big Bash League (BBL) title, showcasing his composure and effectiveness at the death. Given a longer run in the playing XI, Ellis could be the reliable finisher CSK have been desperately lacking.
As CSK prepare for a crucial rebuilding phase ahead of IPL 2026, fresh faces and sharper strategies will be essential. With the auction around the corner and pressure mounting to bounce back from a dismal season, the spotlight will be firmly on the franchise’s decisions, especially when it comes to their bowling unit.
Whether they stick with Pathirana or make a bold move toward someone like Ellis could very well define their next campaign.
