Is Mahendra Singh Dhoni solely responsible for the Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) recent struggles? Some cricket fans have pointed fingers at the former captain, who has led the team to five IPL titles, blaming him for their four consecutive losses. However, the statistics tell a different story—one that encourages critics to reassess their views with a more informed perspective.

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Cricket is a team game

One of the most talked-about moments of IPL 2025 came when MS Dhoni walked out to bat at number 9. This sparked a wave of reactions from former cricketers and fans alike, with many—both directly and indirectly—urging the veteran wicketkeeper-batter to consider retirement.

However, it's important to remember that cricket is a team sport. While individual brilliance can shine in certain moments, true success is only achieved when all eleven players perform collectively. So far, CSK have struggled to find that unity, which is essential to regain their momentum.

Let’s take a look at how Top 10 CSK batters from the present squad have performed so far in the tournament

Player	Mat	Inns	NO	Runs	BF	HS	Ave	SR	100	50	0	4s	6s
V Shankar	3	3	2	80	62	69*	80.00	129.03	-	1	-	5	2
MS Dhoni	5	5	3	103	67	30*	51.50	153.73	-	-	-	6	7
DP Conway	2	2	-	82	63	69	41.00	130.15	-	1	-	7	2
R Ravindra	5	5	1	145	109	65*	36.25	133.02	-	1	1	13	4
RA Jadeja	5	5	2	85	67	32*	28.33	126.86	-	-	-	5	3
RD Gaikwad	5	5	-	122	81	63	24.40	150.61	-	2	1	14	4
S Dube	5	5	-	106	74	42	21.20	143.24	-	-	-	7	7
R Ashwin	5	1	-	11	8	11	11.00	137.50	-	-	-	1	0
RA Tripathi	3	3	-	30	25	23	10.00	120.00	-	-	-	4	1
SM Curran	2	2	-	12	22	8	6.00	54.54	-	-	-	0	0

MSD's performance in IPL 2025: 

CSK vs PBKS- 27 

CSK vs DC: 30*

CSK vs RR: 16

CSK vs RCB: 30*

CSK vs MI: 0* 

Critics of the legendary Indian wicketkeeper-batter have pointed out that he hasn't managed to hit enough boundaries—fours or sixes—to keep up with the required run rate. However, a closer look at the stats offers a different perspective that supports the former CSK captain.

Take these examples:

• Travis Head (Sunrisers Hyderabad) has scored 148 runs in 5 matches with just six sixes.

• Ishan Kishan, also from SRH and an IPL 2025 centurion, has 127 runs in 5 games with six sixes.

• Rinku Singh (Kolkata Knight Riders) has made 99 runs in 4 innings with only four sixes.

• Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) has scored over 140 runs in 4 matches but managed just six sixes.

• Phil Salt, also from RCB, has 106 runs in 4 games with four sixes.

Several other big names in IPL 2025 have hit fewer sixes than MS Dhoni. So, evaluating his performance solely based on big hits may not offer the full picture—there’s room to reassess the criticism. One of the main reasons Dhoni is under intense scrutiny is the massive expectations fans have from him, often hoping he’ll perform at the same level as he did during his peak years with Team India. However, what’s been clearly evident in all of CSK’s losses so far is the lack of firepower in their batting lineup, coupled with the poor form of their current skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad.