There was a time when Mahendra Singh Dhoni could script miracles at will. He was the architect of last-over heists, the executioner who finished games with an eerie calmness that defied the pressure of the moment. But that time, it seems, has passed. In the latest IPL encounter between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, Dhoni's struggle was laid bare for all to see. The once-unstoppable force of Indian cricket looked like a shadow of his former self, fighting against time, against expectations, and, perhaps most painfully, against his own fading brilliance.
Walking in with his team needing 54 off 25 balls, the Dhoni of old would have made a mockery of the equation. But at 43, the gaps in his game were glaring. He could not summon the same aggression, nor could he dictate terms as he once did. CSK fell short, and for the first time in years, Dhoni appeared like a man playing on borrowed time.
The problem is not just Dhoni’s decline—it is the collateral damage it is causing. Every game he plays is one less opportunity for a young, hungry cricketer to prove his worth. India’s domestic circuit is brimming with prodigies waiting for their chance to shine. Yet, they remain benched while CSK—and Dhoni—cling to nostalgia. The sentimentality of seeing Dhoni in yellow is overshadowing the harsh reality: cricket is a game of the present, not the past.
Virender Sehwag, never one to mince words, summed up the dilemma succinctly: "For five years, CSK have been unable to chase totals of more than 180." The very aura that once made Dhoni invincible is now working against the team. His presence, while still valuable in bursts, is holding CSK back in a tournament that demands ruthless efficiency. The numbers are telling—last season, Dhoni faced just 57 balls across 16 matches. In the current edition, he has barely made an impact. The dwindling contributions raise an uncomfortable question: is Dhoni’s leadership and experience worth more than the performance of a fresh, dynamic player waiting in the wings?
The irony is painful. Dhoni, once the master of timing—both with the bat and in his career decisions—is now struggling with the one thing that always defined him: knowing when to walk away. He has spoken wistfully about his love for the game, reminiscing about the sheer joy of playing with the innocence of a schoolboy. But professional cricket is no schoolyard. It is a brutal, unforgiving arena where the past earns you applause, not a guaranteed place in the XI.
What makes Dhoni’s situation even more perplexing is that he has always been a pragmatist. His captaincy was built on making the toughest decisions with an icy detachment. He did not hesitate to drop senior players when the team needed fresh legs. He backed the youth when necessary, ensuring that India transitioned smoothly into a new era. And yet, here he is, seemingly unwilling to make the same tough call for himself.
Fleming, CSK’s long-time coach, acknowledged the delicate balance. “MS judges it. His body will let him know when he needs to stop.” But is Dhoni truly assessing his value to the team? Or is his deep-rooted love for the game clouding his judgment? There is no denying his immense contribution to CSK and Indian cricket. However, as the years roll on, his presence in the lineup is becoming a sentimental choice rather than a strategic one.
As IPL 2025 progresses, the question grows louder: Should Dhoni finally step aside? The answer, as painful as it may be for CSK loyalists, is yes. He has given Indian cricket everything, but the sport moves on, and so must its legends. It is time for Dhoni to embrace the inevitable and let the next generation take their rightful place on the field. Anything less would be an injustice—not just to CSK, but to Indian cricket itself. His legacy is secure. Now, he must ensure that he does not overstay his welcome, tarnishing the very greatness that made him a legend in the first place.