Chennai Super Kings (CSK), once one of the most dominant teams in IPL history, are almost certainly out of the race in IPL 2025. A mix of poor auction decisions, injuries to their captain, MS Dhoni’s declining form, and several other problems have all contributed to their disappointing performance this season.

Technically, they still have a chance to reach the Playoffs, as all teams do at some point, but realistically, their hopes are nearly over. Dhoni himself has hinted that the team should now focus on building for the next season. He said he hopes to “get a secured XI next year and come back strong.”

Legendary wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist agrees that CSK should look ahead, but he doubts Dhoni will be part of their plans moving forward.

As much as it hurts him to say it, Gilchrist feels it’s time for Dhoni to step away from the IPL and allow the team to plan for the future.

Since Dhoni took over the captaincy again, CSK’s results haven’t improved, they haven’t won a single game since. With just two wins in nine matches, they are at risk of finishing last this year. Gilchrist feels that to avoid such a low finish, Dhoni must step aside.

GILCHRIST’S TAKE ON DHONI

“The big one, MS Dhoni. He has nothing more to prove to anyone in the game. He has achieved everything that there is. MS… well, he’ll know what he wants to do, but I’m saying, for the future – it’s going to cost me this, I know – but he perhaps doesn’t need to be there next year. I love you, MS. You are a champion, an icon,” Gilchrist said on Cricbuzz.

For many fans, IPL 2023 felt like the perfect time for Dhoni to retire. He led CSK to their fifth IPL title, tying with Mumbai Indians for the most ever.

After that victory over Gujarat Titans in a rain-affected final that lasted three days, people expected Dhoni to call it a day.

SIX ball CHALLENGE ft. THA7️⃣A#WhistlePodu #Yellove🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/oumcAwqIVI

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 29, 2025

But when asked, Dhoni said that although retiring then would have been ideal, he wanted to play one more season, especially to perform in front of the Chennai crowd.

He returned the next year, bringing back his iconic long hair and powerful hitting, but CSK just missed out on a Playoff spot.

This year hasn’t gone any better. Dhoni has scored just 140 runs, and his knee issues have limited him on the field.

Coach Stephen Fleming has admitted that Dhoni can’t bat for long periods anymore and is often sent in at No. 7 or 9 because running between the wickets is difficult for him now.

Fans are disappointed, with many feeling that Dhoni may have pushed his IPL journey too far and risked hurting his legendary status.

At 43, his best years are clearly behind him. While it’s still possible that Dhoni might play one more season, Gilchrist hopes he doesn’t.