“If someone gets credit, fingers will also be pointed towards him after defeats”: Former Cricketer Blames MS Dhoni for CSK’s Slump in IPL 2025

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are facing a tough season in IPL 2025, and now, the criticism has started to pour in. Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has pointed a finger — indirectly — at MS Dhoni for the team’s disappointing performance this year. Without naming him directly, Chopra made it clear that the leadership decisions have played a big role in CSK’s struggles.

After losing seven matches in the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League, the five-time champions are officially out of the playoff race. Even if they win their remaining games, it won’t be enough to secure a spot in the next round. This dramatic fall from grace has left fans and former players questioning what went wrong.

When IPL 2025 began, Ruturaj Gaikwad was leading the Chennai Super Kings. However, a fractured elbow ruled him out early in the tournament, forcing MS Dhoni to step back into the captaincy role. Unfortunately, even Dhoni’s return couldn’t stop the losing streak.

The 43-year-old Dhoni, battling fitness concerns, has continued to play despite clear signs that his wicketkeeping and batting have been impacted. Many believe he is living on borrowed time in the league, and reports suggest he is likely to announce his retirement after this season.

Aakash Chopra’s Strong Words on CSK and MS Dhoni

Speaking about CSK’s current situation, Aakash Chopra shared a sharp analysis:

“If credit is given to someone, fingers will be pointed towards him when the team loses games. CSK is not a team but a philosophy. They played T20 cricket differently and won titles. Chennai make us believe that grand dad’s army can win the trophies. If you check their auction, they couldn’t sign just two players they wanted in the team. Deepak Chahar and Tushar Deshpande didn’t return, but the rest of the team remained the same,” he said.

Chopra also pointed out questionable strategies in CSK’s team-building approach this season:

“Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway once again joined Chennai. INR 30 crore were spent on the spinners. You have to question their philosophy,” he added.

Leadership Under the Microscope

The decision-making at the auction and on the field is now being scrutinized heavily. Despite big names and hefty investments, CSK couldn’t find the right balance. The lack of fresh faces and the heavy reliance on aging stars have cost them dearly in a tournament that demands energy, agility, and adaptability.

MS Dhoni’s leadership has been the backbone of Chennai’s success over the years, but as Chopra rightly pointed out, success brings praise — and failure brings questions.

With the franchise now looking at a future without their legendary captain, a major rebuild seems inevitable.