The IPL 2025 season has brought both excitement and scrutiny, particularly around the legendary MS Dhoni, who, despite his declining form, remains a figure of immense popularity.
As the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) grapple with a challenging start to the season, currently sitting at the seventh spot in the points table, Dhoni's status as the most-talked-about Indian personality on X (formerly Twitter) during March 2025 has raised eyebrows. According to data from X-Data, Dhoni outshines even the likes of Virat Kohli, who ranks second, followed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India's Test captain Rohit Sharma.
However, the question on every fan's mind is whether Dhoni, who turns 44 this year, can still deliver on the field. His recent performances have sparked debate, particularly about his batting position and fitness. Stephen Fleming, CSK's long-serving head coach, candidly remarked, "His body and knees aren’t what they used to be. He can’t bat 10 overs running full stick." These comments highlight the reality that Dhoni's physical capabilities have diminished, affecting his on-field contributions.
Historically, Dhoni has been a game-changer, often batting in the top order. However, since the introduction of the Impact Player rule in IPL 2023, he has found himself batting lower down the order, primarily between No.6 and No.9. This shift reflects a strategic adjustment due to his fitness and the team's dynamics. In the 2023 IPL, Dhoni batted more than ten deliveries only once in 12 innings, a stark contrast to his previous roles.
Despite his statistical prowess, with an average of 39 and a strike rate of 196 in recent IPL seasons, the context of his performances raises concerns. In crucial moments, such as a match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2023, CSK needed 63 runs off 30 balls when Dhoni managed only 5 runs off 7 deliveries against top bowlers like R Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal. This trend continued into 2024, where CSK lost all four games in which Dhoni faced more than ten deliveries, further questioning his impact.
Dhoni's late-game heroics have often come too late to change the outcome. For instance, in a match against Delhi Capitals (DC), he entered the game needing to score 72 runs off 23 balls and finished with a commendable 16-ball 37. However, these performances, while impressive, often occur in situations where the game is already out of reach, leaving fans wondering about his effectiveness as a middle-order batsman.
Moreover, Dhoni's struggles against spin bowling have become more pronounced, with his strike rate against spin being the third-worst in IPL history. This limitation has led to strategic decisions that often see him bat lower in the order, minimizing exposure to spin in the backend of innings. In a recent match against Punjab Kings, Dhoni managed only 2 runs off 4 balls against leg-spinner Rahul Chahar, highlighting the challenges he faces.
As CSK prepares for their next match against Delhi on April 5, 2025, the pressure mounts. Fans and analysts alike are questioning whether Dhoni's presence in the lineup is still justified, especially when considering the team's overall performance and the need for a more adaptable batting strategy. The upcoming game will be crucial for CSK, who are eager to turn their fortunes around after a rocky start to the season.
Fleming remains optimistic about Dhoni's role, asserting, "He’s too valuable to us. Leadership and wicketkeeping - to throw him in nine-ten overs. He has actually never done that." This statement reinforces the notion that while Dhoni's physical capabilities may be waning, his leadership and experience still hold significant value for the team.
The narrative surrounding Dhoni is a complex one, intertwining nostalgia for his glory days with the harsh realities of aging in a sport that demands peak physical performance. As the IPL progresses, fans are left to ponder the future of their beloved captain, who has been a cornerstone of CSK and Indian cricket for years.
In a poignant comparison, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad recently likened Dhoni's current status to that of a retired Sachin Tendulkar still shining in the Legends League, suggesting that while Dhoni may not be at his peak, his legacy and influence remain intact. However, the question of transition looms large, as CSK has not adequately prepared for a post-Dhoni scenario, leaving fans anxious about the team's future.
As the IPL continues, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on MS Dhoni. Will he be able to defy age and lead CSK back to form, or will the mounting pressure and scrutiny finally take their toll? One thing is certain: Dhoni's journey in the IPL is far from over, and fans will continue to rally behind him as he navigates this challenging phase of his illustrious career.
