The aura of MS Dhoni still looms large over the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), but even legends can come under the scanner when results don’t go a team’s way. In the ongoing IPL 2025 season, CSK have had a rough start, losing four of their first five games, and that has inevitably led to scrutiny, including over Dhoni’s role and batting intent.

Statistically, Dhoni hasn’t fared poorly. He has notched up 103 runs in five innings at a healthy average of 51.50 and a strike rate of 153.74. But context matters. During a crucial chase against Delhi Capitals, Dhoni remained unbeaten on 30 off 26 balls—an innings that lacked the urgency fans associate with the finisher he’s famously been. The team fell short by 25 runs, and questions began to surface: Should Dhoni have attacked earlier?

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Another point of contention has been his batting position. From coming in as low as No. 9 in one match to walking in at No. 5 against Punjab Kings, his flexibility has been intriguing, but not always impactful. Even in that higher position, Dhoni couldn’t swing the game CSK’s way.

However, not everyone is pointing fingers. Former CSK teammate Robin Uthappa has come out in strong defense of Dhoni, insisting that the legendary skipper has intentionally stepped back to empower the next generation.

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“There’s no lack of intent from MS. He’s always been strategic. Even now, outside the IPL spotlight, he’s preparing others, handing over responsibilities to build a sustainable future for CSK,” Robin Uthappa said on JioHotstar. “Of course, we’d all love to see him bat higher and go big, but the real issues lie elsewhere in the team’s structure.”

As CSK navigate this transitional phase, Dhoni’s leadership—both silent and strategic—may still prove to be their greatest asset.