Chennai Super Kings' campaign in IPL 2025 came to a premature end on Wednesday, becoming the first team eliminated from playoff contention. This early exit, following a season of struggles, has ignited intense speculation about the future of their iconic leader, Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Will the legendary cricketer return for another season, or is this the end of his illustrious IPL journey? (As It Happened | Scorecard | Full Coverage)
CSK's forgettable season saw them bow out after a four-wicket defeat to Punjab Kings, marking their fifth loss at home in Chennai – an unwanted first for the franchise. It's also the second consecutive year the five-time champions have failed to reach the playoffs, a significant downturn for the usually dominant team.
The season saw Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was appointed captain before the tournament (following Dhoni stepping down from the role ahead of IPL 2024), sidelined mid-season with an elbow fracture.
This necessitated the return of Dhoni to the captaincy, a role he has performed with unparalleled success in the past. However, even under his leadership, the team couldn't reverse its fortunes.
Following the elimination, voices from the cricketing world have begun suggesting it might be time for a change. Australian legend Adam Gilchrist opined that while Dhoni is an icon who has achieved everything, perhaps CSK needs to look towards rebuilding for the future without him.
"MS… well, he’ll know what he wants to do, but I’m saying, for the future... perhaps he doesn’t need to be there next year," Gilchrist stated on Cricbuzz, while still acknowledging Dhoni's champion status.
South African great Shaun Pollock echoed similar sentiments, suggesting CSK doesn't necessarily "need" Dhoni in 2026. While acknowledging Dhoni's massive legacy grants him "free rein" to decide his future, Pollock said, "I will be very surprised if he라이브 바카라 there next year."
Dhoni himself has remained typically enigmatic. When asked by presenter Danny Morrison before Wednesday's match if fans would see him next year, Dhoni quipped with a smile, "I don’t know (if) I’m coming for the next game (laughs)."
After the playoff hopes were dashed, Dhoni spoke about the potential of younger players like Dewald Brevis, calling him an "asset going forward," hinting at a possible focus shift towards the team's future beyond his own playing career.
Known for his sudden retirement from international cricket, speculation is rife that Dhoni might choose a similarly unannounced exit from the IPL. With CSK already out of the race, questions linger whether he will even play the remaining matches. CSK's final home game is scheduled for May 12th against Rajasthan Royals.
As Chennai Super Kings confront the reality of back-to-back disappointing seasons, the question of MS Dhoni's future looms large. While cricket pundits debate and Dhoni keeps his cards close to his chest, the final decision will ultimately rest with the legend himself. His departure, whenever it comes, will signify the end of a golden era for CSK and the IPL.
