CSK Fans’ Dhoni Obsession Sparks Debate Over Team’s Priorities

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced a tough challenge on Friday as they attempted to chase down 197 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 match.

The chase became even more daunting when CSK lost Shivam Dube in the 13th over, leaving them with a massive 117 runs to score from 7.1 overs.

At the crease was Ravindra Jadeja, but all eyes were on the dugout, expecting MS Dhoni to step out. However, instead of Dhoni, it was R Ashwin who walked out to bat, surprising both fans and broadcasters.

The decision sparked confusion among CSK supporters and IPL viewers alike, as the required run rate had climbed above 15 runs per over.

Ashwin and Jadeja struggled to find any rhythm, adding just 19 runs in 3.3 overs. The Chepauk crowd, usually full of faith, appeared resigned to the inevitable outcome as RCB tightened their grip on the match.

Ashwin’s Dismissal Sparks Dhoni’s Entry

Ashwin was dismissed on the second ball of the 16th over while attempting to hit over long-on. Phil Salt took the catch, and surprisingly, the Chepauk crowd erupted—not in disappointment, but in celebration.

The reason for the cheer became clear moments later when Dhoni finally walked out to bat at No. 9.

While RCB fans celebrated their team’s dominant position, CSK fans cheered the sight of Dhoni at the crease. The moment underscored the immense adulation Dhoni commands, but also highlighted a growing concern—are CSK supporters more focused on seeing Dhoni bat than on the team’s performance?

Dhoni eventually smashed two sixes off Krunal Pandya in the final over, long after the match was out of reach. This led commentators and fans to wonder why Dhoni didn’t step up earlier when the match was still alive.

“Dhoni came in early,” quipped Virender Sehwag on Cricbuzz.

“Coaches at CSK don’t have the guts to tell him to bat higher up the order,” added Manoj Tiwary.

Questions Over Dhoni’s Role

At 43, Dhoni seems to have settled into a specific role—coming in to bat during the final overs and aiming to clear the ropes at will.

While his fitness and power-hitting remain impressive, the strategy of holding him back when the team faces a challenging chase has raised eyebrows.

CSK’s performance in IPL 2025 will likely hinge on more than just Dhoni’s batting cameos. The team’s narrow miss of the playoffs last season due to Net Run Rate (NRR) issues makes strategic decisions even more critical this year.

CSK’s management, including coach Stephen Fleming, faces tough questions. Is Dhoni’s batting position truly beneficial for the team’s success, or is it more about preserving Dhoni’s legacy?

Rayudu’s Criticism of Dhoni Mania

Former CSK player Ambati Rayudu recently criticized the growing “Dhoni mania” at Chepauk. Rayudu argued that fans’ fixation on Dhoni could negatively affect other players’ morale and the team’s performance.

“It’s been happening for quite a few years now, and quite a few players have felt it,” Rayudu said. “Even if they haven’t openly spoken about it, many internally felt that way.”

Rayudu noted that CSK’s success should not be overshadowed by Dhoni’s individual moments. “We all love MS Dhoni, but when you’re walking in and the crowd is literally asking for you to get out so that they can see Dhoni bat, it’s strange,” he added.

Dhoni’s Explanation on Batting Lower

Dhoni himself addressed the issue in a recent interview with JioHotstar. He explained that his decision to bat lower down the order is strategic and unlikely to change soon.

Dhoni revealed that last year, he prioritized giving Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja more batting opportunities to strengthen their chances for T20 World Cup selection.

“If you see, there was a problem in my knee, but it was more manageable than anything else last year. Also, there was a selection for the T20 World Cup. If you look at our team, who were the contenders? Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) and Shivam Dube were among the contenders, so you obviously want to give them a chance,” Dhoni explained.

He emphasized that the approach wasn’t harming the team’s performance. “If everybody is doing their role and it’s taking pressure off me, then why not?”

RCB’s Historic Win at Chepauk

RCB’s victory was historic—they secured their first win at Chepauk in 17 years. Rajat Patidar, leading RCB, marshaled his team effectively as they defended a total of 196.

Josh Hazlewood starred with three wickets, while Yash Dayal and Liam Livingstone claimed two wickets each.

Dhoni’s late fireworks may have entertained the crowd, but they came too late to change the outcome. CSK’s defeat left fans questioning whether the team’s strategy needs to evolve—or whether the focus on Dhoni’s batting position is costing them valuable wins.