The Dhoni Dilemma: Legacy vs. Title Chase in IPL

Table of Contents

MS Dhoni’s presence in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been larger than life. The former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain continues to be the face of the franchise, but a question arises in IPL 2025.

Is Dhoni still here to compete for the title, or is his presence just a marketing strategy to sell tickets and create hype?

CSK vs. RCB: A Reality Check for Dhoni and CSK

In their recent IPL 2025 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 28 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, CSK faced a crushing 50-run defeat. Dhoni came early to bat because there were 4 overs left, and he only came to bat when there were 6 balls to spare to showcase his stardom for the obsessed celebrity fans. On the other hand, cricket fans are not happy with the approach.

As the saying goes,
Thala Thala Dhaan! ✨ #CSKvRCB #WhistlePodu #Yellove🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/53pG2YCKbc
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 28, 2025

Match Summary

RCB Batting: RCB set a target of 197, with Rajat Patidar scoring a crucial 51 off 32 balls.
CSK Bowling: CSK’s bowlers, including Deepak Chahar and Mustafizur Rahman, failed to contain RCB’s aggressive batting lineup.
CSK Batting: In response, CSK struggled and managed only 146/8.
Dhoni’s Performance: Dhoni came in to bat late, scoring 30 off 16 balls, but the game was already slipping away.

Is Dhoni’s Role in the Team Just Symbolic?

Ticket Sales and Fan Craze

The ticket demand skyrocketed wherever Dhoni played, with long queues forming hours before games.
Brands continue to cash in on Dhoni’s popularity, making him an irreplaceable marketing figure for CSK.

Performance vs. Presence

Limited Batting Role: Dhoni has been playing in the lower order, often getting only a few balls to face.
Leadership Influence: While not the captain, Dhoni still plays a key role in mentoring young players and guiding match strategies.

Does CSK Really Want to Win IPL 2025?

While Dhoni remains vital to CSK, the team must find the right balance between sentiment and performance. If CSK truly aims to win IPL 2025, they need to ensure that cricketing logic, not fan sentiments, dictates their playing XI and strategies.

Conclusion: Legacy or Trophy?

Dhoni’s presence ensures packed stadiums, but his impact on the game is now limited. CSK must decide whether they are here for nostalgia or to dominate IPL 2025.