'Underperformer' MS Dhoni indirectly slams Rohit Sharma amid IPL 2025?

Leadership in cricket has always been a subject of intense scrutiny, and performance on the field often dictates the narrative around a captain's effectiveness. Mahendra Singh Dhoni, known for his astute cricketing mind, recently sparked a wave of speculation with his candid remarks on captaincy.

In a recent interview with a broadcaster, Dhoni, the former captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), discussed the significance of a captain's performance on the field, stating, "First and foremost, you need a performer as your captain. Your performance should be right up there, then comes captaincy." 

Understandably, these remarks have sparked speculation about an indirect reference to India's current captain, Rohit Sharma, especially in light of recent performances.

Dhoni's Declining IPL Performance

Over the past two Indian Premier League (IPL) seasons, Dhoni's batting performance has seen a noticeable decline. In the 2023 season, he amassed a total of 108 runs, ranking 66th among all players for runs scored.

The following year, 2024, saw a slight improvement, with Dhoni accumulating 161 runs, with a highest score of 37 against the Delhi Capitals on March 31, 2024. In all, these statistics suggest that while Dhoni's leadership qualities remain esteemed, his on-field contributions with the bat have diminished.

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Rohit Sharma's Champions Trophy Triumph

Contrastingly, Rohit Sharma led India to a triumphant victory in the Champions Trophy 2025. Under his captaincy, India clinched the title by defeating New Zealand in the final held in Dubai. 

Sharma played a pivotal role, top-scoring with 76 runs in the final match, guiding India to a four-wicket victory. Throughout the tournament, Sharma's leadership and consistent performance with the bat were instrumental in India's success.

Speculations and Interpretations

Dhoni's comments have led to discussions among fans and analysts about their intended target.

Given Sharma's recent success and Dhoni's own admission of the importance of a captain's performance, some interpret these remarks as a self-reflection on his decision to step down as CSK's captain in favor of Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Others speculate it might be a subtle critique of other leaders whose on-field performances haven't matched their leadership roles.