MS Dhoni Sent Brutal Message By Pakistan Great Amid IPL 2025 Struggle

Formerly celebrated as premier ‘finisher,’ MS Dhoni is under scrutiny due to his underwhelming performances in the 2025 IPL season. The CSK commenced their campaign with a victory over the Mumbai Indians but have since suffered three consecutive defeats. These losses have relegated them to the ninth position in the league standings.

In the recent match against the Delhi Capitals, Dhoni remained unbeaten with 30 runs off 26 balls. Despite this, CSK fell short by 25 runs, highlighting issues in their batting lineup. Coach Stephen Fleming acknowledged the team’s challenges in finding the right balance at the top of the order. Especially with the constraints of selecting only four overseas players. He emphasized the need to improve powerplay batting and hinted at continuing with experienced players to address the current form slump.

Dhoni’s batting position has also been a topic of discussion. He batted at number nine against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and number seven against Rajasthan Royals. Coach Fleming explained that Dhoni is managing his body, particularly after knee surgery in 2023, and is adjusting his playtime based on his physical condition. Despite limited time on the pitch, Dhoni continues to contribute valuable leadership and strategic insight to the team.

As CSK strives to regain momentum in the tournament, the team faces the challenge of optimizing their lineup and strategies to enhance performance in upcoming matches.

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Debate Intensifies Over MS Dhoni’s Future in Cricket

​Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif, in an exclusive conversation with IANS, asserted that MS Dhoni should have retired from cricket some time ago. Drawing from his own experience as a wicket-keeper batter, Latif emphasized that the role should now be entrusted to a younger player.

“He should have left a long while back, a wicket-keeper’s age is usually 35, I am an example of this. If I was on TV then I am a performer and when I don’t do it at a high level then my reputation will come down. Even if you have done it for 15 years, the younger generations will not be impressed,” Latif told IANS.

Latif further added by saying Chennai choosing MS Dhoni over the team ‘is unfair to the game of cricket’.

“His playing did not benefit his team in 2019 (ODI World Cup) as well, they should have understood then. If you are choosing the team over one player then it is unfair to the game which is why they are getting trolled.

“I saw 2-3 games and the crowd gets very loud but CSK need points right now, they are at the bottom of the table and if the reason is only one or two players then you should realise the need of the hour.”

When asked about Dhoni’s possible retirement, after the loss against Delhi, Chennai head coach Stephen Fleming refused to have a say in the matter and stated he has ‘no idea’ when the legendary player will consider hanging up his boots.

“No, that’s not my role to put an end to it. I have no idea. I’m just enjoying working with him still. He’s still going strong. I don’t even ask these days. You are the ones who ask,” said Fleming in the post-game conference.

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