Even at 43, Mahendra Singh Dhoni continues to be a major attraction in the Indian Premier League. The excitement in the stadium reaches new heights every time he appears on the big screen during a Chennai Super Kings match.
His sharp reflexes and exceptional wicket-keeping skills remain intact, leaving both fans and opponents in awe. However, when it comes to his fitness, time has inevitably taken its toll and Dhoni is no longer the dynamic young player whom an entire generation grew up idolizing.
Following CSK’s second consecutive loss in the IPL 2025, head coach Stephen Fleming addressed the media and shared insights into Dhoni’s current physical condition. He acknowledged that the veteran cricketer’s knee issues which were treated in 2023 have made it challenging for him to play extended innings. According to Stephen Fleming, Dhoni assesses his condition on a match-by-match basis and steps in when he feels he can make the most impact. If the game is finely poised, he tends to come in earlier otherwise he prefers to rely on the other players.
These remarks have sparked mixed reactions among fans. Some have drawn comparisons between Dhoni’s current situation and his leadership decisions in the past. Critics recall how, as the captain, he had been firm about phasing out senior players, citing their slower fielding abilities. This led to speculation about whether a younger Dhoni would have made room for a 43-year-old version of himself in the squad.
During the recent clash against Rajasthan Royals, Dhoni came in at the seventh position and scored 16 runs off 11 balls while chasing a target of 183. CSK fell short by just 6 runs, leaving many to wonder whether Dhoni could have turned the game had he batted higher up the order. Earlier in the tournament, his decision to come in at the ninth position against Royal Challengers Bangalore raised eyebrows, as it appeared to be too late to influence the match’s outcome. His late arrival at the crease has become a point of debate, with some arguing that if he is unable to contribute significantly, it may be time to step aside and allow younger players to take charge.
The disappointment has been reflected in some sections of the CSK fanbase. In an unusual and unsettling sight, certain fans have been seen celebrating their own team’s wickets, just to get a glimpse of Dhoni at the crease. While his influence and popularity remain unmatched, questions about whether he is prioritising personal appearances over the team’s success have been raised.
Chennai Super Kings started the IPL 2025 on a high note with a victory over Mumbai Indians but suffered back-to-back defeats against RCB and RR. Despite the setbacks, the franchise remains one of the most successful in the history of the IPL, having clinched the title five times — in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023. With the tournament still in its early stages, CSK will be hoping to bounce back. However, as the season progresses, the role of Dhoni within the squad will remain a subject of intense scrutiny, with fans and analysts alike watching closely to see how his legendary career unfolds.
