“Say You’re Not Able to Do It and Walk Away” – Former India Opener’s Brutal Take on MS Dhoni After CSK vs RR IPL 2025 Match - Lotus365
- Yep Thomi
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
The IPL 2025 season has been a rollercoaster for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), with the team facing challenges both on and off the field. A recent match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) highlighted these issues, leading to sharp critiques from former cricketers. Among the most pointed comments was from a former India opener, who didn't mince words when discussing MS Dhoni's role in the team.
The Match That Sparked Controversy
In the 62nd league match of IPL 2025, CSK faced RR at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium. Both teams were already out of playoff contention, making the match a battle to avoid the bottom spot on the points table . CSK's performance was underwhelming, and the spotlight turned to MS Dhoni's leadership and batting position.
Former India Opener's Critique
During a live commentary stint, a former India opener made a scathing remark about Dhoni's performance:
"Arey Dhoni aa rahe hain ji jaise sher aaya, sher aaya, hype thi, badi excitement thi, par khoda pahaad nikli chuhiya."
This translates to: "People were saying Dhoni is coming, the lion is coming. There was so much hype and excitement. But there was nothing to be seen." The comment resonated with many fans who felt that Dhoni's presence was more about brand value than actual contribution .
The Debate Over Dhoni's Batting Position
One of the major points of contention has been Dhoni's batting position. In several matches, including the one against RR, Dhoni came in to bat late in the innings, often when the required run rate was high. This strategy has been criticized by former cricketers.S
"I don't understand why MS Dhoni continues to bat lower down the order."
He emphasized that Dhoni's experience and finishing abilities make him a valuable asset earlier in the innings .
Fans' Reactions and Retirement Buzz
The underwhelming performances have led to a surge in discussions about Dhoni's future in the IPL. Fans and analysts alike have questioned whether it's time for the veteran wicketkeeper-batter to consider retirement. Some argue that his continued presence in the team, despite not being at his peak, is more about nostalgia and brand value than actual performance.
Aakash Chopra, another former India cricketer, pointed out the uncertainty this creates within the team:
"Isn't this making everyone in the middle order uncertain about their position?"
He highlighted how the team's batting order has been adjusted to accommodate Dhoni, leading to confusion among other players .
The Bigger Picture: Team Strategy and Management
The debate over Dhoni's role is part of a larger conversation about CSK's team strategy and management. Critics argue that the team's structure has been too centered around Dhoni, potentially to its detriment. Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary expressed his concerns:
"Everything is being based around Dhoni. The decisions being taken aren’t in the interest of the team."
He suggested that a strong call needs to be made regarding Dhoni's future in the team .
Looking Ahead: What Does the Future Hold?
As CSK looks to rebuild and strategize for future seasons, the role of MS Dhoni remains a topic of intense discussion. While his leadership and experience are invaluable, the question arises: Is it time for a transition? Should Dhoni take on a mentorship role, allowing younger players to step up, or does he still have the ability to contribute significantly on the field?
These questions are crucial for CSK's future success and will likely influence their decisions in the upcoming seasons.
For more insights and updates on IPL 2025 and CSK's journey, visit the Lotus365 blog.
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