The stage was set, the crowd was electric, and the tension was palpable. Shivam Dube, the impact sub, was waiting in the dugout, ready to step in. The game seemed all but won for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Almost. Then, Mahendra Singh Dhoni walked out to the crease, a move that has become all too familiar this season. But this time, like many others, it didn’t go according to script. The legendary finisher, once the backbone of CSK’s victories, faltered yet again. The harsh reality is that Dhoni is no longer the finisher he once was. His prime is behind him, and every match feels like borrowed time. But why does he persist? Is it for the brand, or is there more to it? What should have been a straightforward win turned into a heartbreaking two-run loss.
Dhoni’s struggles against leg-spin are now a recurring theme. Suyash Sharma kept him at bay, and the asking rate soared to over 14 runs per over. A solid 18th over could have turned the tide, but even a six off Bhuvneshwar Kumar wasn’t enough. Against Yash Dayal, Dhoni couldn’t find the elevation needed to clear the boundaries. When he finally departed, he left Dube with a mountain to climb. Sure, Dayal bowled a poor delivery that gave CSK a sniff of victory, but that doesn’t excuse Dhoni’s decision to bat ahead of Dube. The question lingers: why hasn’t he considered retirement?
For fans who have witnessed Dhoni’s heroics over the years, this is hard to watch. The man once dubbed the perfect finisher now appears helpless. It’s painful seeing him struggle. Perhaps it’s time for CSK to reinvent his role. Make him a mentor, a coach, or even a non-playing captain. His brand is invaluable, but his on-field performances are no longer aligning with the legacy he built. CSK and Dhoni both need to acknowledge this reality. For the sea of yellow at Chepauk, it’s a bitter pill to swallow. While some fans might argue that just seeing Dhoni on the field is enough, a few more losses could turn the whispers into roars. That’s the nature of sport. No one, not even Dhoni, is bigger than the game. He knows it. Now, it’s time to act.
RCB with one leg in Playoffs | Mhatre’s Heroics in Vain as CSK Fall Short in Thriller https://t.co/ej4mXWn3sD
— Indiabet Global (@IndiabetGlobal) May 3, 2025
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