MS Dhoni’s legendary finishing prowess once inspired awe, but in IPL 2025, it’s increasingly becoming a shadow of the past. Against Delhi Capitals at Chepauk, the 43-year-old remained unbeaten on 30 off 26 balls, yet couldn’t lift Chennai Super Kings over the line in a stiff chase of 184. CSK eventually stumbled to 156/6, falling short by 27 runs — another blow to their playoff hopes.
Walking in with CSK tottering at 74 for 5, Dhoni was expected to steady the ship and unleash at the death. But despite his trademark composure, he struggled to inject any urgency into the innings. With only one six to his name, his strike rate of 115.38 just wasn’t enough against a climbing required rate.
This isn’t the first time Dhoni’s finishing ability has come under the scanner this season. Against Rajasthan Royals, he managed 16 off 11, and though he struck 30* off 16 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, that innings too came after the top order had already collapsed, leaving too much to do too late.
WATCH – MS Dhoni’s Dressing Room Gesture Goes Viral After DRS Blunder Against Vijay Shankar
While Dhoni’s calmness and leadership remain invaluable assets in the CSK dugout, his waning ability to clear the ropes regularly in pressure situations has begun to affect Chennai’s finishing power. As the target looms large in big chases, the lack of explosiveness in the final overs is becoming a worrying trend.
Fans Frustrated as CSK Falter Again
Got into love of cricket watching MS Dhoni hit sixes all round the park and he’d been that cricket idol for me all the way through.
However, every good thing comes to an end one day, and it’s high time he realises that too. 1/2— Nishan Sapkota 𝕏 (@NishanSapkota_7) April 5, 2025
Vijay Shankar to Ms dhoni pic.twitter.com/7czGyf9zEd
— 𝕊𝕦𝕞𝕚𝕥 (@vkforever1817) April 5, 2025
You failed as a batter,
You failed as a human
You failed as a Captain
You are the main reason for this crazy downfall of CSK 💔MS Dhoni finished CSK in his style 🔥 pic.twitter.com/MzQEUB79GT
— S. (@RealGoat_45) April 5, 2025
MS Dhoni don’t even try to hit big shots, he is now headache for CSK. Nobody can’t understand what’s run in his mind…
Thank you MS Dhoni, you did lot for India & CSK now please retire from CSK too.#CSKvDC— Aviral Varshney ॐ (@AviralVarshney3) April 5, 2025
MS Dhoni and Vijay Shankar today. pic.twitter.com/3Vtbhm3wMO
— SOUN∆V∆ (@Sounavanjr) April 5, 2025
With each passing day, everyone will realize what Rohit Sharma felt that day.💔
MS Dhoni should retire now, if he has any shame left.
pic.twitter.com/VcV1o0WCaq— 𝐉𝐨𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐞 (@jod_insane) April 5, 2025
Fans weren’t shy in expressing their disappointment online. Social media was flooded with criticism and memes — some aimed at Dhoni’s delayed entry, others at CSK’s passive lower-order batting. Several pointed out the irony of Ravichandran Ashwin being promoted ahead of Dhoni in earlier games, which perhaps hinted at CSK’s own doubts.
WATCH – Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Rare Misjudgement Costs CSK A Boundary in Chepauk Clash
With the playoff race heating up, CSK need more than just experience — they need firepower. And if MS Dhoni is to script one final heroic chapter, he’ll have to rediscover the acceleration that made him one of cricket’s greatest finishers.
