After Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) two-run loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 match at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist questioned MS Dhoni's batting and tactical choices.
The five-time winners' dismal IPL 2025 run was further prolonged by the defeat, which was RCB's first-ever double triumph over CSK in a single IPL season.
Gilchrist notably took issue with Dhoni's choice to employ Khaleel Ahmed in the 19th over rather than Ravindra Jadeja or Anshul Kamboj. In the penultimate over, Romario Shepherd hammered Khaleel for 33 runs after he had already given up 32 runs in his first two powerplay overs.
"Tactically, I don't know if a huge difference could have been made. Given going back to Khaleel was risky at the back end because he had gone for somewhat 32 runs in the first two overs. Maybe he could have gone to Kamboj. Given where Noor finished, Jadeja with an extra over of spin is what he could have gone with. It's such a mixed bag. They also bowled 45 dot balls," Gilchrist said on Cricbuzz.
Gilchrist also questioned whether MS Dhoni, 43, is still the tactical genius and remains mentally sharp in cricketing terms.
"MS...he is never animated or shows any visible signs that he is upset. I just wonder if the energy is still being generated for him internally. Whether the brain is still ticking for him as astutely as it always has, as he edges closer and closer to the end. Be it this year or next year, whatever it is. I don't want to critique his leadership harshly because I feel he has been let down by some bad bowling," Gilchrist added.
Gilchrist also discussed Dhoni's dismissal against Yash Dayal and his waning batting prowess at 43.
"Even MS, just a sign of where he is at. Just to miss that one...effectively it was a full toss. He never used to miss those...used to just pick them up," Gilchrist observed.
Shaun Pollock, ex-South Africa captain, interjected and stated that MS Dhoni would’ve used his helicopter shots to hit such deliveries out of the ground. "That would have normally been with the helicopter shot," and Gilchrist agreed.
"It's symbolic of where the team is at and certain players are and what they need to do to rebuild it," Gilchrist concluded.
The Chennai Super Kings, who are out of the running for the playoffs, will play the Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on May 7. On May 12, they will play the Rajasthan Royals at Chepauk in their season-ending home game.
(Cricbuzz inputs)
