MS Dhoni — the man, the myth, the legend. But in IPL 2025, even the most loyal Chennai Super Kings fans are beginning to wonder: is this the beginning of the end? With poor batting numbers and limited impact, Dhoni’s current form is one of the hottest topics in Indian cricket.
📊 Dhoni’s IPL 2025 Performance So Far
| Match | Runs Scored | Balls Faced | Strike Rate | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs GT | 6 | 10 | 60.00 | Caught |
| vs MI | 12 | 14 | 85.71 | LBW |
| vs RCB | 2 | 7 | 28.57 | Bowled |
| vs KKR | DNB | – | – | – |
| vs SRH | 8 | 11 | 72.72 | Caught |
👉 Total Runs: 28
👉 Average: 7.0
👉 Strike Rate: 61.5
💬 What Experts Are Saying
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel:
“Dhoni looks out of rhythm, and with Jadeja or Gaikwad ready to step up, CSK might need to rethink their strategy.”
Irfan Pathan tweeted:
“We respect Dhoni for what he’s done, but maybe it’s time to let go. CSK has to think long term.”
🔍 Why Dhoni May Be Struggling in 2025
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Lack of Game Time: Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020. Limited matches each year means rust builds up.
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Age Factor: At 43, reflexes, timing, and footwork naturally decline.
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Batting Position: Coming in too late in the innings reduces chances to build momentum.
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Pressure of Expectations: Even a legend feels the weight of millions watching.
🚨 What This Means for CSK
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Leadership: Still solid as captain, but can CSK afford a non-performing batter in the XI?
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Fan Sentiment: Many are torn — loyalty to Dhoni vs. team performance.
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Future Planning: Should this be his last season? Time to groom Ruturaj Gaikwad or Ben Stokes as captain?
📱 Fan Reactions on Social Media
“Dhoni is CSK. Win or lose, we stand by him.” – @ThalaForLife
“It hurts to say, but this isn’t the Dhoni we knew.” – @CSK_CrazyFan
“Let the man retire with dignity. Don’t troll him.” – @IPLUpdates
🔮 What’s Next for Dhoni?
If this season continues in the same way, fans and management might prepare for a big farewell. Whether he steps down mid-season or announces retirement post-IPL, one thing is clear: an era is ending.