Introduction:

MS Dhoni, a celebrated legend for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and one of the most successful captains in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), risks tarnishing his legacy and becoming a liability in the franchise’s playing eleven.This article will discuss if there is still a place for the worn-out legend in the CSK franchise. The 43-year-old led CSK to a win in their last league game. This was still not good enough for the CSK team to avoid the bottom of the table spot.MSD did not give a definitive answer to a question about what the future holds for him as a player.MS Dhoni has said that he will take time before deciding on his future.

A Legacy That Needs No Introduction

MS Dhoni is undoubtedly one of the greatest captains the IPL has ever seen — leading CSK to 5 titles, countless playoff appearances, and building one of the most passionate fan bases in the league. However, like all good things, even the greatest journeys need closure.

2025: A Season to Forget

Despite CSK winning their final league match, the team failed to qualify for the playoffs and ended up at the bottom of the points table. Dhoni, now 43, was more of a symbolic presence in the side than a match-winner.

• Batting at No. 8 or 9.

• Barely facing deliveries.

• Avoiding pace bowling altogether.

It was clear — Dhoni’s role in the playing XI was more nostalgic than strategic.

Dhoni’s Uncertain Future

In the post-match presentation, Dhoni remained non-committal:

“I have 4-5 months to decide… I haven’t been home for a long time. I’ll enjoy a few bike rides and take a couple of months to decide.”

He added that retirement shouldn’t be based solely on performance but on hunger and fitness. However, one has to wonder — how much longer can CSK afford to wait?

From Finisher to Passenger?

Dhoni’s decline has been slow but steady since his retirement from international cricket in 2020. Once the finisher supreme, his vulnerabilities — especially against fast bowling — are now obvious.

Notably, in IPL 2025:

• Dhoni was mostly bowled to by spinners and part-timers.

• No team tested him with short-pitched deliveries.

• He managed a few sixes to please the crowd, but failed to change games.

It almost felt like a silent, respectful agreement across franchises — don’t embarrass the legend.

Did CSK Let Dhoni Overstay?

Dhoni captained midway through IPL 2025 after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury. But even then:

• His captaincy did not inspire results.

• CSK couldn’t develop another star to match his cult status.

• The team continued to depend on Dhoni’s brand value more than his form.

CSK’s identity has become so tied to Dhoni that it has handicapped the franchise’s ability to transition.

SuperSports View: Emotion vs Evolution

Chennai Super Kings must face the hard truth — MS Dhoni the player is now holding the team back. It’s time to build the next era, to find new leaders and give them space to grow.

The harsh reality:

• No cricketer, no matter how legendary, is bigger than the game.

• Keeping Dhoni in the team for nostalgia may hinder the growth of younger talents.

Conclusion: Graceful Exit or Dragged Goodbye?

MS Dhoni’s contribution to CSK and the IPL is eternal. But his insistence on staying risks rewriting his legacy not as the franchise’s greatest asset, but as a burden they couldn’t let go.

The IPL is a tournament for the future — fast, competitive, and evolving. Legends are remembered for their peaks, not their decline.

CSK and Dhoni must now make a choice: End it with grace or continue until it hurts to watch.