MS Dhoni-led CSK finished at the 10th spot for the first time in their IPL history.
As the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) prepared for their final match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season against the Gujarat Titans, speculation over MS Dhoni's future arose.
During the pre-match broadcast, former Indian cricketers Suresh Raina, Sanjay Bangar, RP Singh, and Aakash Chopra debated whether the renowned wicket-keeper batter should retire.
Chopra and Bangar debated 'for' while RP and Raina were 'against' the proposition. However, the conversation became heated, with both sides making strong points.
Dhoni appeared hesitant to bat for CSK this year, appearing as low as No. 8 at times, with Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja taking his place. While Raina and RP claimed that the move was to allow others to develop, Chopra and Bangar questioned Dhoni's ability to bat for that long.
Here is the debate:
Aaksh Chopra: “If MS Dhoni wasn't an uncapped Indian, would he have been a part of the CSK team this year?”
Suresh Raina: “Absolutely, he has been with the team for 18 years. Even now, he hits the most sixes.”
Aakash Chopra: “The point is, why is he batting at No. 7, No. 8, or No. 9. Your team isn't batting well, the problems are coming from the top order. Should such a big player bat higher up? Why the reluctance? Is he even fit or not?”
Suresh Raina: “He feels he is more comfortable in the final four overs. He is fit, keeping wickets at the age of 44. He interviewed in the middle, saying a team for the World Cup (T20) is being made, hence he wants to give others like Shivam Dube more chances.”
RP Singh: “After a knee surgery, he is bound to take time. Every player does. He has been keeping for 20 years, manages himself. Raina also had a knee operation done. He managed himself for some time and eventually recovered.”
Further in the conversation, Bangar even stressed that Dhoni's presence in the team isn't allowing the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja to flourish as leaders.
Here is the video:
16 runs in 6 balls! Will #AakashChopra & #SanjayBangar back #MSDhoni as the ultimate finisher? ????
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 25, 2025
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