 "MS Dhoni and CSK face heightened criticism after another failed chase in IPL 2025. Images: Reuters")
The criticism against MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) keeps growing with every passing game in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. CSK have not chased down a 180-plus target in the last six years but lately, it’s not only about losing, the concerning fact is also the perceived lack of effort.
On Saturday against Rajasthan Royals (RR), Dhoni entered the 184-run chase in the 11th over with Vijay Shankar at the other end. CSK needed 108 in the last nine overs but only managed 82 runs despite not losing a single wicket . Dhoni remained not out on 30 off 26 balls while Shankar scored 69 unbeaten off 54 balls.
Only seven boundaries were hit in the last nine overs with both Dhoni and Shankar relying on singles to keep the scoreboard ticking when the run rate kept shooting up.
Dhoni’s former teammate says CSK cricketer should have retired in 2023
Analysing another failed chase from CSK, former India batter Wasim Jaffer accused Chennai of not even trying to win matches once their top-order fails. Jaffer added that whenever CSK lose early wickets, they just decide against going after the target.
“If their top order doesn’t fire and Dube gets out, it looks like they shut shop very quickly,” Jaffer told ESPNCricinfo. “They feel really, really behind the game and it doesn’t even look like they’re trying. That approach has been the most surprising to me; it’s twice in two games, where they shut shop too early. That’s a major concern for CSK.”
Also Read | MS Dhoni isn’t winning matches for CSK anymore, franchise at crossroads
Dhoni’s former teammate and ex-India batter Manoj Tiwary was even more scathing in his assessment as he said that the former CSK captain should have retired after the IPL 2023 title win. Tiwary added that the trust Chennai fans have in Dhoni is also fading.
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More Shorts“In my opinion, the right time for him to retire was in 2023, right after winning the IPL trophy. He should’ve taken retirement then," Tiwary said on Cricbuzz. “Somewhere, I feel that all the fame, respect, and name he earned from cricket over the years—fans are no longer able to see that same spark in the way he’s been playing for the past two years. The trust he built in the hearts of fans, especially Chennai fans, seems to be fading.”
“After the last match, the way Chennai fans were giving interviews against him (MS Dhoni), it was clear that things aren’t working anymore. Even Stephen Fleming has said that he can’t run for more than 10 overs.” Tiwari added
“Everything is dependent on him—every decision. And the decisions he’s making, in my opinion, are not in the team’s best interest. I feel a strong call needs to be taken, and someone needs to explain to him if it’s not happening anymore, then it’s okay—step away.”
Boucher feels CSK’s top-order is the problem
Former South Africa cricketer and Mumbai Indians coach Mark Boucher felt the problem with CSK is the poor performance of their top and middle orders which leaves lower-order with too much to do.
“Their top order is really struggling,” Boucher said on ESPNCricinfo. “And we talk about your lower order which has been historically very strong and finishing off games, the [Ravindra] Jadejas, the Dhonis - the Dhoni little cameos that they usually have - they’re walking in just after ten overs. So, there’s a lot left to do from just a batsmanship perspective, and that’s where they’re getting it wrong.”
Dhoni has a strike of close to 140 and an average of 76 in IPL 2025 but none of the runs have come in the winning cause and that has become a major concern for CSK.