The curtains have fallen on Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) disastrous IPL 2025 season, finishing at the bottom of the table. While the team’s overall performance has been a talking point, the spotlight has increasingly turned to MS Dhoni’s fitness and his role within the squad. As debates rage among cricket pundits and fans, former CSK star Suresh Raina has staunchly defended the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman.
Fitness and Batting Position Under Scrutiny
Dhoni, at 43 years old, has been a central figure in the discussions surrounding CSK’s underwhelming campaign. His batting position, often coming in at No. 7, No. 8, or even No. 9, has raised eyebrows, especially with the team’s top order struggling. Critics like Aakash Chopra have openly questioned if Dhoni, despite his immense legacy, would find a place in the CSK squad if he weren’t an “uncapped Indian” (referring to a rule that allowed him to be retained at a lower price point). Chopra also directly asked: “Is he even fit or not?”
Dhoni’s performance with the bat in IPL 2025 saw a dip in strike rate compared to the previous year, although his run tally improved. He has also been managing knee issues, which further fuel the concerns about his physical capabilities.
Suresh Raina’s Defense:
Suresh Raina, a close friend and former teammate of Dhoni, has come out strongly in his defense. Raina emphasized Dhoni’s enduring connection with the franchise, stating, “Absolutely, he has been with the team for 18 years. Even now, he hits the most sixes.”
Addressing the queries about Dhoni’s lower batting order, Raina provided a strategic explanation. He suggested that Dhoni prefers to bat in the final four overs, believing he is more comfortable in that phase of the game. Raina also asserted Dhoni’s fitness for his wicketkeeping duties, highlighting that he’s still keeping wickets effectively at 44.
Furthermore, Raina indicated that Dhoni’s decision to bat lower could be a deliberate move to give other players, particularly Shivam Dube, more opportunities to bat up the order and prepare them for a potential World Cup (T20) squad. RP Singh, another former Indian cricketer, supported Raina’s argument, stating that recovering from knee surgery takes time for any player, drawing a parallel to Raina’s own experience.
Dhoni’s Own Take and Future Outlook
MS Dhoni himself addressed the fitness question during the season, stating it’s about “surviving” and that “every year is a new challenge.” He acknowledged the need for “a lot of maintenance” to keep his body fit. After CSK’s final game, Dhoni hinted at taking a few months to decide on his future, expressing his immediate plan to return home and enjoy bike rides. He also mentioned that a key goal this season was to set up the team for Ruturaj Gaikwad for the next season, indicating a focus on team building and transition.
A Shifting Discourse on Retirement
Notably, the discourse around Dhoni’s retirement has shifted this season. In previous years, many experts refrained from commenting on his future, leaving the decision entirely to him. However, this year, figures like Sanjay Bangar and Adam Gilchrist have openly suggested that it might be time for Dhoni to consider stepping away from the game. This reflects a growing sentiment that while his leadership and presence are invaluable, his physical limitations might be impacting his on-field contributions more significantly.
The IPL 2025 season for CSK has undeniably been a letdown, and MS Dhoni’s fitness and role have been central to the post-mortem. While Suresh Raina and others strongly defend his continued presence, citing his experience, strategic decisions, and ongoing contributions, the questions surrounding his physical capabilities at 43 persist. The coming months will reveal Dhoni’s decision regarding his IPL future, but the debate surrounding his fitness and enduring impact on the game is far from over.
