Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has backed Chennai Super Kings to have another successful season in the upcoming IPL 2025. CSK, the five-time champions, have performed consistently in the tournament and they would once again look to come up with a collective effort. 

However, the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led could not qualify for the playoffs in the previous season as they finished in fifth place in the standings.

Meanwhile, CSK is always known to make the most of their resources and the players have consistently delivered for them. Once again, CSK have assembled a potent squad in the auction and they would look to go deep into the tournament.

Clarke said Chennai always gets the best out of their Indian players, which plays a key role in their success.

“Dhoni is still super fit, I saw him the other day. He looks as fit as he has ever looked. CSK are always underrated, they always find a way to qualify, they utilize their Indian players so well. You would be silly to write Chennai off. They always seem to overachieve,” Clarke said on the Beyond 23 Cricket Podcast.

On the other hand, Clarke feels Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting will be under the pump. The former Australian skipper feels the local players will need to stand up for the franchise.

“I think Ricky is under pressure, there is no doubt about it. PBKS have very good overseas players but they are going to need their local players to stand up. I think they have underachieved over the years. They have to start very well and their selection are going to be so important, making sure they use the right overseas players,” Michael Clarke said.

While Chennai will play their opener against MI on Sunday, PBKS will begin their campaign against Gujarat Titans on Tuesday.