IPL 2025: MS Dhoni’s Return as Captain Leaves CSK Stuck in a Time Warp

Chennai: As the IPL 2025 season unfolds, an intriguing environmental initiative has captured attention—a sapling is planted for every dot ball bowled. Amidst this green campaign, a viral AI-generated meme of a dense jungle engulfing the MA Chidambaram Stadium has taken the internet by storm, reflecting netizens’ frustration with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and their underwhelming performances over the past three weeks.

The defending champions have stumbled badly, losing five out of six matches, including three at their fortress in Chennai. What’s more disheartening for fans is the apparent lack of fight in these defeats. CSK, historically a powerhouse and five-time IPL champions, have appeared listless, failing to challenge their opponents with the aggression expected from a team of their stature.

What’s Plaguing the Yellow Army?

At the heart of CSK’s struggles lies the enigmatic return of MS Dhoni as captain. ‘Captain Cool,’ who handed over the reins last season only to reclaim them this year, has made baffling decisions, particularly with his batting position. Twice in IPL 2025, Dhoni has opted to bat at No. 9, a choice that peaked in absurdity during a recent clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where CSK crumbled to a paltry 103-9. Even as wickets tumbled, Dhoni delayed his entry, seemingly reserving himself for the death overs—only to be dismissed for a mere 1 run by Sunil Narine.

Former teammate Harbhajan Singh, who lifted the IPL trophy with CSK under Dhoni in 2018, publicly critiqued this strategy on his YouTube channel. “If Dhoni is batting at No. 9, he shouldn’t be playing. He has the ability to hit those towering sixes we’ve all seen. Why diminish his own legacy like this?” questioned Harbhajan, echoing the sentiments of countless fans.

Dhoni’s current form paints a stark contrast to his glory days. Once a finisher par excellence—famously smashing three sixes off Axar Patel in the final over to clinch a thriller for Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017—Dhoni now visibly struggles against spin bowling. His inability to generate pace against slower deliveries, coupled with a hesitance to take quick singles (a hallmark of his prime), has raised questions about his adaptability. Stats further highlight his decline as a match-winner: in recent seasons, Dhoni averages a dismal 3 in CSK victories but balloons to around 40 in losses, suggesting his contributions often come too late to influence the outcome.

Is CSK’s Strategy Past Its Prime?

For over a decade, CSK redefined T20 cricket with a blueprint of calculated middle-overs preservation leading to explosive finishes. However, the modern game has evolved towards relentless aggression from the get-go, especially in the Powerplay overs. CSK, unfortunately, appears tethered to an outdated philosophy, consistently failing to recruit or utilize players who can dominate early phases of the innings.

The reliance on veterans like Rahul Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, and R Ashwin—arguably past their peak—has only compounded the issue. Meanwhile, promising youngsters such as Shaik Rasheed, Vansh Bedi, and Andre Siddarth remain on the sidelines, denied opportunities to prove their mettle. This reluctance to blood new talent has left fans and analysts questioning CSK’s long-term vision.

Batting coach Mike Hussey defended the team composition in a recent press conference, stating, “We believe we still have the right balance. Our youngsters are talented, but they need to be introduced at the right time. We’re not ready to wave the white flag just yet. The young guns will get their chance when the situation demands.” Yet, with CSK languishing near the bottom of the points table, one wonders if that situation has already arrived.

A Legacy at Crossroads

As IPL 2025 progresses, CSK finds itself at a critical juncture. MS Dhoni, a name synonymous with tactical brilliance and unmatched finishing, now faces scrutiny over his role both as a batsman and leader. The team’s inability to adapt to the evolving dynamics of T20 cricket, combined with a hesitance to embrace youthful exuberance, risks turning a storied franchise into a relic of the past.

For the millions of CSK fans draped in yellow, the hope is for a resurgence—a reminder of why this team has been a dominant force in IPL history. But until Dhoni and the management recalibrate their approach, the jungle memes might just keep growing, symbolizing a team lost in a wilderness of its own making.