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MS Dhoni—the name that echoes through every corner of Indian cricket—has been more than just a captain for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He’s been the heart, the mind, and the unshakeable pillar of one of the most iconic franchises in IPL history. But as IPL 2025 nears its end, the whispers of a possible farewell are growing louder. CSK, under Dhoni’s leadership, has endured one of its worst seasons to date—10 defeats and a possible bottom-table finish, a first in their storied journey.
A Disappointing Season for CSK and Dhoni
In what could be his final season, MS Dhoni’s contributions with the bat have been modest, scoring just 196 runs at a strike rate of 135.17. During CSK’s latest defeat, Dhoni managed only 16 runs off 17 balls, raising questions about whether he should continue in the league. While Dhoni himself has spoken about CSK entering a rebuilding phase, many wonder if it’s time for the legendary captain to pass the baton.
Sanjay Bangar’s Honest Verdict
Former India coach Sanjay Bangar, speaking on ESPNcricinfo, offered a frank assessment of the situation.
“If I were MS, I would say enough—I’ve played what I wanted, contributed to the franchise, and it’s time to move on,” Bangar said.
He emphasised that while Dhoni’s presence has been invaluable, the team might benefit more from a quicker transition if the former captain gracefully steps aside.
“There’s never an ideal time to exit. But if the transition is inevitable, delaying it might do more harm than good. Let the team grow without the shadow of legacy,” Bangar added.
A Tough Call Ahead
Notably, MS Dhoni was retained under the 'uncapped rule' policy introduced by the IPL Governing Council, allowing teams to hold onto experienced players without using a primary retention slot. While the move made headlines, the results this season haven't gone CSK’s way.
End of an Era?
MS Dhoni’s name has become synonymous with CSK, and his leadership has defined an entire era of IPL cricket. But as the team begins to chart a new course, even legends must decide when to walk away. Whether Dhoni continues or not remains to be seen, but Sanjay Bangar’s comments reflect what many feel but few dare to say—perhaps, it’s time to move on and let the next chapter of CSK begin.
