MS Dhoni in IPL 2025: Captain, Mentor, or His Final Goodbye with CSK?

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MS Dhoni’s Role in CSK 2025: Mentor, Captain, or the Final Goodbye?

 

There’s a strange silence at Chepauk this year. Not because of defeat. Not because of a lack of passion. But because something’s changing — slowly, subtly — and the yellow brigade knows it deep down.

Is this Dhoni’s last ride? Or is he preparing something even bigger from behind the scenes?

Let’s unpack the story, the clues, the stats, and the

emotional weight of Dhoni’s presence in CSK 2025.

 Dhoni 2025: The Calm in the Chaos

Even in 2025, when most players from his era have disappeared from the spotlight, MS Dhoni still commands the game — maybe not with the bat or gloves like before, but with sheer presence and unmatched cricketing IQ.

  • Age: 43

  • Role in squad: Listed as Captain & Keeper, but mentoring is clearly a big part of his role

  • Matches played so far: 6 out of 11 (rotating himself strategically)

  • Wicketkeeping record: 7 dismissals

  • Batting contribution: 102 runs in 6 innings (SR: 156+)

Even without big scores, he’s a tactical genius — promoting others, setting traps, rotating bowlers, and winning with marginal calls.

 What CSK 2025 Stats Are Saying

Let’s analyze the numbers and CSK’s position so far:

Stat Value
Matches Played 11
Wins 2
Losses 9
Points 4
Net Run Rate -1.117
Position 10th (Last)

🔸 Worrying Trend: CSK is at the bottom of the table
🔸 Biggest challenge: Weak middle order, overreliance on Gaikwad
🔸 Bright spots: Dhoni’s decisions during pressure overs, especially in tight matches, still stand out

So is Dhoni the problem or the only thing holding this team together?

 Dhoni, the Thinker: Behind the Scenes Power

Here’s where things get interesting. In multiple interviews, CSK insiders, players, and coaches have said this:

"Even if Dhoni retires, he’s not leaving CSK. He is the system."

Evidence of a silent transition:

  • Ruturaj Gaikwad is being groomed as future captain

  • Moeen Ali and Jadeja taking more tactical roles during field setups

  • Dhoni stepping aside in some matches (rotating himself like a mentor)

 Moments That Show Why Dhoni Still Matters

Here are 3 recent moments that show how Dhoni’s brain still wins games (even when CSK loses the match overall):

1. Against MI (Match 6)

  • MI needed 14 off 6. Dhoni brought in a surprise over from Hangargekar.

  • Result: Just 7 runs conceded, match tied.

2. Against KKR (Match 9)

  • Dhoni placed a fielder right behind square leg for Russell — a rare field — got him caught the next ball.

  • Commentary team called it: "Only Dhoni would think like that."

3. His Batting at No. 8

  • Promoting young batters above himself even when chasing big scores.

  • Quote in post-match: "It’s their time now. I’m here to guide."

 What Dhoni Has Said So Far

“The jersey doesn’t matter. The lion never leaves the jungle.”

Dhoni hasn’t made any official announcement about retirement from IPL — just from other formats. But his behavior is telling:

  • Not playing every match

  • Avoiding long batting stints

  • Delegating more decisions on-field

  • Spending more time in nets with youngsters than for himself

 Fans' Emotions: The Man Who Built CSK

Let’s be honest — Dhoni isn’t just a player for CSK. He is the heartbeat.

  • Led CSK to 5 IPL titles

  • Over 220 matches as captain

  • Rebuilt team after 2016 suspension

  • Brought calm to chaos again and again

The fans don’t just want him on the team — they want him in their hearts forever.

 Mentor, Captain, or Goodbye?

🔸 If he retires this year:

  • Likely to take a Director of Cricket or Head Coach position at CSK

  • Gaikwad becomes captain, Jadeja and Moeen lead support

🔸 If he continues:

  • Will play selective matches

  • Lead as a tactical brain

  • Focus on building a new CSK era with the "Dhoni DNA"

 What Experts Predict

Aakash Chopra:

“I think this is his last year as a player. But he’ll wear yellow forever in another role.”

Harsha Bhogle:

“Even when he’s silent, Dhoni is leading. You don’t need the title ‘Captain’ to run CSK — he proves that.”

 Fan Reactions on Social Media

Here are just a few highlights:

“Dhoni doesn’t retire. He transforms.”
“Even if he’s 50 and in the dugout, I’ll watch every CSK match.”
“Let this be a mentor era, Captain Cool 2.0.”

 Sachin’s Beautiful Tribute

Let's not forget this moment on Twitter from the legend himself:

 Final Thoughts: The Legacy is Safe

Whether he plays or not in 2026, MS Dhoni will never leave CSK.
His presence, decision-making, legacy, and style are now part of the system.

🔹 He might become the mentor
🔹 He might play a few games
🔹 He might say goodbye...

But even if he does, we know this: It won’t be the end. It’ll be another beginning.

Location: India

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