MS Dhoni Ordered To Retire From IPL 2025

MS Dhoni’s position for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is under a lot of scrutiny as he failed to carry the side over the line on another occasion in the league. Against the Delhi Capitals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, the wicket-keeper batter missed intent with the bat in the tough chase.

Since the last season, Dhoni has begun at number eight or nine in the batting department. Last year, against the Punjab Kings in Dharamshala, he batted below Shardul Thakur at number nine. The same scenario continued even against Royal Challengers Bengaluru when Ravichandran Ashwin came before the former CSK captain.

MS Dhoni’s performance in the IPL since 2024

The former Indian captain, MS Dhoni, scored 161 runs in 11 innings during the previous season of the tournament at a strike rate of 220.55. But for the entire season, he faced only around 75 deliveries. That shows the management’s trust in the veteran.

Also Read: Watch- Pakistan Star Dragged Away After Furious Argument With Fans In 3rd ODI vs New Zealand

The opening game against the Mumbai Indians was nearly done when he walked out to bat. Rachin Ravindra carried them over the line with a huge six. But when most expected him to get the promotion in the 197-run chase, he walked at nine and remained unbeaten on 30 runs in 16 balls at a strike rate of 187.50.

Even against the Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, Chennai was in a situation of winning the game, but MS Dhoni failed to earn the win with 16 runs in 11 balls. Against the Delhi Capitals, it was a poor performance from the wicket-keeper batter, who didn’t even bother to display intent with the bat.

The five-time champions fell short of the target by 25 runs. With three successive defeats, they find themselves at the penultimate position in the points table among the ten franchises.

“It hurts to watch MS Dhoni bat like that”- Wasim Jaffer

The former Mumbai batter, Wasim Jaffer, reckoned that the 43-year-old should look to offer his spot to the youngsters and take retirement from the league. He also addresses how painful it becomes to watch him bat.

“Yes, if he is not captaining the team, then to watch him (bat) like this hurts a little.” The former Indian batter expressed on ESPNcricinfo.

In the presence of Pan Singh and Devaki Devi at the MA Chidambaram Stadium against the Delhi Capitals, most of the fans speculated that it could be the last game for MS Dhoni in the IPL as he could take an immediate retirement.

“No, that's not my role to put an end to it. I have no idea, and I'm just enjoying working with him. He's still going strong. I don't even ask these days. You guys are the ones that ask (about retirement).” Stephen Fleming, the CSK head coach, eliminated the rumors in the press-match conference.

Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah Enters IPL 2025

MS Dhoni shouldered the responsibility of the leadership duties of the five-time champions to young Ruturaj Gaikwad at the start of the last season.

CSK aims to get back on the winning track

Even the opening victory for the Super Kings was a nervy moment. They made it harder for themselves. But now, with three successive defeats, the pressure is immense on the side. They have to somehow manage MS Dhoni’s batting position.

Their next game will be against Punjab Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Chandigarh before they return home for another high-voltage fixture against the Kolkata Knight Riders.