Former greats give massive verdicts on MS Dhoni's future in IPL

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) became the first team to be knocked out of IPL 2025 after the Yellow Brigade were defeated by Punjab Kings (PBKS) by four wickets in an encounter on Wednesday.

Though veteran wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni returned as the CSK captain after Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out of the 18th season with an elbow injury, CSK's fortunes didn't improve.

Meanwhile, legendary South African cricketer Shaun Pollock said that he would be surprised to see Dhoni playing for CSK next year as he believes the franchise can go forward under Gaikwad.

"I don't think CSK need Dhoni the captain next season. He is having to step in because Gaikwad is injured. He has nothing more to achieve. He has won as much as anyone. It's gonna be down to what he wants because of the legacy he has left and the impact he has had on the franchise, they have kind of given him free rein to be the one who makes the call. We will wait until you have decided you have had enough. Will that change? I don't know. Would the owners have a word with him? We've tried to predict this for so long and now we sound like a broken record. We can't get to the bottom of it. But yeah, I would be very surprised if he were there next year," said Pollock.

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Moreover, according to former Australian great Adam Gilchrist, it would be up to Dhoni to take a call on his future.

"MS Dhoni is an icon. He's above Hall of Fame. He has set the standard for anyone who tries to get into that Hall of Fame in this tournament. It is going to be a long time before a single player can have such an impact on building and the legacy of IPL cricket. Whatever does happen, there's plenty of time to reflect on that, and knowing him, he might not just say anything and keep us guessing until next year. Whatever the case, he has had the biggest impact in IPL," said Gilchrist.