Should MS Dhoni walk away from IPL?

The Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) disappointing run in Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) has reignited speculation about the future of the legendary MS Dhoni. With the team struggling at the bottom of the points table and missing out on the playoffs for the second straight year, questions are being raised about what lies ahead for the former India captain. Dhoni, who has long been the face of CSK, continues to be a beloved figure among fans, but the team’s recent performances have raised concerns. Former Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth has now openly stated that it might be the right time for Dhoni to hang up his boots and bring the curtain down on an illustrious IPL playing career. While the franchise remains fiercely loyal to its iconic leader, Srikkanth believes CSK must begin looking toward the future and rebuilding with a younger core if they hope to return to their winning ways in the coming seasons.

MS Dhoni IPL retirement around the corner?

Chennai Super Kings have endured a dismal IPL 2025 campaign, managing just three wins in 13 matches—a performance that has drawn sharp criticism from fans and experts alike. Much of the criticism has been directed at the senior players in the squad, who have failed to step up when the team needed them most. The early setback of losing captain Ruturaj Gaikwad to injury only worsened their situation, leaving a leadership void that the veteran players struggled to fill.

Among the names under scrutiny is MS Dhoni, whose presence in the squad remains iconic but whose on-field role and performance have raised questions. Former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth has openly discussed Dhoni’s declining form and limited contribution with the bat, suggesting that the team must now consider transitioning to a new leadership phase. With CSK slipping further down the table and their playoff hopes extinguished, the spotlight has intensified on what the franchise’s future holds. Srikkanth emphasized that relying on past glories is no longer enough and that a fresh approach—with younger players taking responsibility—might be the way forward if CSK hopes to bounce back in future editions of the IPL.

“Dhoni is also ageing, you can’t expect too much from him. But at the same time, you can’t keep coming and messing it up. If you are not able to do it, say you’re not able to do it and walk away. That’s a call Dhoni can only take. Whether he will continue, if he continues, then in what role: captain, wicket keeper, or finisher?” former Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

“In all fairness, his reflexes have gone down. His knees might have given up, his fitness, reflex level everything will come down. Moreover, the top order is flopping,” he added. 

MS Dhoni, the iconic Chennai Super Kings stalwart, has been grappling with persistent knee issues for the past couple of IPL seasons, which have clearly impacted his mobility and overall performance. Despite his towering legacy and invaluable presence in the dressing room, Dhoni’s contributions on the field have been limited in the 2025 season. He has managed to register only one standout performance so far—a brisk 26-run cameo against the Lucknow Super Giants, which briefly reminded fans of his vintage finishing prowess.

However, such moments have been rare this season. In CSK’s recent defeat to the Rajasthan Royals, Dhoni looked out of rhythm and struggled to accelerate during a crucial phase of the game, managing just 16 runs from 17 deliveries. His inability to rotate strike or find boundaries consistently has sparked conversations about whether his on-field role still benefits the team in high-pressure situations. While Dhoni’s tactical awareness and leadership remain unmatched, his physical limitations and dwindling form are now raising tough questions about his future as an active player. As CSK finds itself languishing at the bottom of the table, pressure mounts on the management—and Dhoni himself—to make a decisive call regarding the next chapter of his legendary career.

“The problem with CSK today is that Dhoni is not able to replicate his own game. Spinners are tying him down. Once, he used to hit off spinners 10 rows into the stands. In all fairness, he is struggling,” Srikkanth concluded.