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The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) management's steadfast reliance on MS Dhoni, despite his advancing years and limited role in the team, has come under fire amid their poor start to the IPL 2025 season.
The five-time champions have now slumped to three successive defeats, and ex-cricketers are beginning to question whether the franchise is overly dependent on its iconic figure.
Dhoni, though still a revered presence in the squad, has scored just 76 runs across four matches and is being utilised almost exclusively in the dying overs.
In their recent defeat to Delhi Capitals on April 5, Dhoni came in at number seven and made an unbeaten 30 off 26 balls in an effort seen as too little, too late in a chase of 211. Critics argue that the team’s structure is being tailored too heavily around the 42-year-old, to its detriment.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary criticised the management’s decisions. "Everything is being based around Dhoni. The decisions being taken aren’t in the interest of the team, in my opinion. I feel that a strong call needs to be made, a strong call should be made, and someone needs to explain — if it's not happening anymore, then it’s okay, just let it go."
The comments suggest a growing concern that the CSK management is leaning too heavily on Dhoni’s aura and past accomplishments rather than making tough decisions that serve the team’s present needs.
The CSK squad has lost three consecutive matches, and Dhoni's continued presence in the team has sparked heated debates across cricket circles.
Fan Sentiment Wavers, Doubts Surface
The backlash has begun to ripple through the fanbase. Tiwary pointed to an emotional shift among supporters, saying, "Fans are unable to bear watching him like this, and he’s losing that spark. The trust he built in fans over the years — especially in the hearts of Chennai fans — after the last match, the way fans came out on the roads and gave interviews against him, it should have been a sign that it’s not working anymore."
In another critical voice, former India batter Wasim Jaffer accused CSK of lacking intent when under pressure.
Against Rajasthan Royals, CSK needed 108 runs in the final nine overs and fell short by 26 runs, despite not losing another wicket.
Dhoni scored 30* off 26, and Vijay Shankar remained unbeaten on 69. "They shut shop too early. It doesn’t even look like they’re trying. That approach has been the most surprising to me. It’s twice in two games," Jaffer told ESPNcricinfo.
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Coach's Comments Fuel Controversy
Adding fuel to the debate, CSK coach Stephen Fleming mentioned that Dhoni cannot run for more than 10 overs. Tiwary responded sharply to this, saying, "But when the team needs you to win, when you're sent out and expectations are high, then you talk about only playing for 10 overs?"
He was also blunt in his assessment of team strategy. "Everything is being based around that. The decisions being taken aren’t in the interest of the team, in my opinion. I feel that a strong call needs to be made, a strong call should be made, and someone needs to explain — if it's not happening anymore, then it’s okay, just let it go."
As CSK gear up to face Punjab Kings in Mullanpur on April 8, the larger question looms—can Dhoni still deliver as a player, or is it time for a different role within the franchise?
