After Chennai Super Kings’ narrow two-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 3, former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist weighed in on MS Dhoni’s captaincy and tactical decisions. With CSK facing a brutal 33-run 19th over from Romario Shepherd, Gilchrist questioned Dhoni’s choice to hand the ball back to Khaleel Ahmed, who had already conceded 32 runs in his first two overs.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Adam Gilchrist suggested Dhoni had alternative options. “Maybe he could have gone to Anshul Kamboj or used Ravindra Jadeja’s remaining over. Going back to Khaleel was risky, especially after that powerplay hammering,” he said. CSK, despite bowling 45 dot balls, couldn’t close out the game — a rare situation for a side known for its death-bowling discipline under Dhoni.
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Gilchrist also subtly questioned whether the 43-year-old skipper, after 18 IPL seasons, still has the same tactical sharpness and internal energy that made him a master finisher and strategist. “MS is always calm, but I wonder if the mental gears are turning as sharply as before,” Gilchrist said.
‘Dhoni, Jadeja failing to finish reflects #CSK‘s dismal run’@gilly381 & @7polly7 share their thoughts, on #CricbuzzLive#IPL2025 #RCBvCSK #Dhoni #Jadeja @myvoltas pic.twitter.com/Ggh8E9s4qW
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) May 4, 2025
Reflecting on Dhoni’s final-over dismissal to a low full toss from Yash Dayal, Adam Gilchrist remarked, “That was a ball MS, in his prime, would never have missed. He used to put those away with ease.”
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While it’s still too early to write Dhoni off, Gilchrist’s comments mirror a growing sentiment: Is this the beginning of the end for CSK’s talisman? With the next clash against Kolkata Knight Riders looming on May 7, Dhoni and CSK will be desperate to bounce back — and silence the critics, if only for a little while longer.
