MS Dhoni’s Golden Touch Fades as CSK Struggles in IPL 2025

There was a time when MS Dhoni could do no wrong. From winning India’s first T20 World Cup to lifting the 50-over World Cup, and leading his country to triumph in all three major ICC events, Dhoni had a golden touch.

However, that era feels far removed now. At 43, the veteran has struggled to keep pace with the demands of the Indian Premier League (IPL), despite his best efforts to contribute to Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

CSK’s Worst-Ever IPL Season

CSK, the five-time IPL champions, are enduring a forgettable 2025 season. With only three wins from 13 matches, they are at the bottom of the table. Although they still have a match to go, the team is unlikely to make any major impact.

Even a miraculous win over the in-form Gujarat Titans would not be enough unless it’s by a huge margin to push Rajasthan Royals down the standings.

Many of CSK’s problems began with questionable auction decisions last November.

When Ruturaj Gaikwad got injured, Dhoni was reinstated as captain. Hopes of a revival under the seasoned leader faded quickly. Now, experts believe the franchise needs an overhaul, and Dhoni’s presence might be delaying the inevitable transition.

Bangar’s Honest Take

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar did not mince words while evaluating Dhoni’s future. Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Bangar said, “At 43, it’s very tough to play in that competitive environment.

Leave aside this competitive environment, but even if you go and play some local cricket, you will find how tough it is on the body.”

Bangar added, “If I was MS, I would say it’s enough. I have played whatever I wanted to play; I have looked after the interest of the franchise as well – if that was the motivation – but you know, you move on. By you being there, if you’re thinking that the transition will happen fast, there is never an ideal time. So you might as well have peace with the fact that even if I leave now, the franchise will develop on its own.”

Dhoni’s Continuing Struggles

Over the last six seasons, CSK has had inconsistent results. They failed to make the Playoffs in 2020, 2022, 2024, and now 2025, although they did win titles in 2021 and 2023.

Dhoni’s role in the team has come under scrutiny, with reports suggesting he has not yet decided to retire, and might even return in 2026.

However, his performance in 2025 has been underwhelming. Speaking on his YouTube channel, former cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth said, “Dhoni is also ageing, you can’t expect too much from him.

But at the same time, you can’t keep coming and messing it up, if you are not able to do it, say you’re not able to do it and walk away. That’s a call Dhoni can only take.”

Srikkanth added, “Whether he will continue, if he continues, then in what role: captain, wicket keeper or finisher? In all fairness, his reflexes has gone down. His knees might have given up, his fitness, reflex level everything will obviously come down. And moreover, the top order is flopping.”

Decline in Form and Fitness

Dhoni, who replaced Gaikwad mid-season due to injury, has shown visible signs of slowing down. Spinners, once easily dispatched into the stands, are now tying him down.

“The problem with CSK today is that Dhoni is not able to replicate his own game,” Srikkanth remarked.

On Tuesday, CSK suffered another defeat at the hands of Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Dhoni, who scored 16 off 17 balls, was dismissed on the penultimate delivery of the first innings.

Despite the team’s struggles, he achieved a personal milestone by becoming the fourth Indian to hit 350 sixes in T20s, joining Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav.

Final Season in Sight?

Dhoni was retained ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auctions at a base price of ₹4 crore and was made captain once again.

He has played 13 matches this season, scoring 196 runs at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17. However, he often batted as low as number 9, prompting questions about his effectiveness.

Although still considered one of IPL’s greatest captains, time appears to be catching up with Dhoni. Speaking about the possibility of retirement, Dhoni himself had said, “This IPL gets over, then I have to work for the next 6–8 months to see if my body can take this kind of pressure.”

As CSK faces the need for a reset, the final call on Dhoni’s future remains his to make. But with form dipping and age advancing, the signs point towards an imminent farewell.