MS Dhoni’s legendary career has long been associated with Chennai Super Kings' success in the Indian Premier League. But this season, the five-time champions find themselves in unfamiliar territory - struggling near the bottom of the points table and staring at possible elimination from the IPL 2025 league stage.
After a strong start against Mumbai Indians, CSK’s season has derailed. Injuries, particularly to captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who suffered an elbow fracture, have left the team unsettled.
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Dhoni, who had stepped down from captaincy last season, returned to leading the side in Gaikwad’s absence. However, his presence alone has not been enough to revive their campaign.
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Amid this downward spiral, cricket great Adam Gilchrist has weighed in with a bold opinion on the 43-year-old CSK legend's future.
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What did Adam Gilchrist say on MS Dhoni's IPL retirement?
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Gilchrist praised Dhoni’s legendary status but suggested the franchise should look ahead and start preparing for life after their most iconic player.
“He (MS Dhoni) 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 perhaps he doesn’t need to be there next year. I love you, MS. You are a champion, an icon,” Gilchrist said.
The former Australian wicketkeeper said that the time has come for CSK to rebuild and make tough calls about its senior players.
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Gilchrist expressed confidence in other experienced names like Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. He believes they still have something to offer the team next season.
“What a talent! Yeah, ageing but I still see a rockstar as Shane Warne dubbed him way back at the start of IPL. I am just going to go with him one more time,” he added.
As CSK assess their squad for the future - decisions around their veteran stars will be crucial. For Dhoni, whether IPL 2025 marks the end of an era is a question only he can answer. But the calls for change are getting louder.