Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming has brushed aside persistent rumors surrounding MS Dhoni’s possible retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), affirming that the cricketing legend remains a vital force in the team. The remarks followed CSK’s 25-run defeat to Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 17th match of the IPL 2025 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday.
Speculation about Dhoni’s retirement has been a recurring theme, gaining steam ahead of the DC encounter due to the rare presence of his parents in the stadium alongside his wife Sakshi and daughter Ziva. Many interpreted this as a sign that the 43-year-old might be gearing up for a farewell. However, Fleming swiftly put such talk to rest during the post-match media interaction.
"No, that's not my role to put an end to it. I have no idea. I'm just enjoying working with him still. He's still going strong. I don't even ask these days. You are the ones who ask," Fleming said as quoted in the post-match presser.
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MS Dhoni’s Batting Struggle Continues in IPL 2025
In the game against DC, CSK stumbled while chasing 184, finishing at 158 for 5 in their 20 overs. Dhoni, coming in at No. 7, remained unbeaten on 30 from 26 deliveries, hitting a four and a six when the chase looked impossible as the asking rate spiraled out of control.
Alongside Vijay Shankar’s unbeaten 69 off 54, Dhoni stitched an 84-run stand for the sixth wicket. Yet Delhi’s spinners, Kuldeep Yadav and Vipraj Nigam, stifled CSK’s momentum as the home side eventually lost by 25 runs.
Having relinquished the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad last year, Dhoni has transitioned into a finisher’s role to an extent that he came to bat after Ravichandran Ashwin in the match versus Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
He has amassed 76 runs in four knocks this season at an average of 76 and a strike-rate above 138. However, his explosive flair has been less frequent.
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CSK’s Performance in IPL 2025
CSK’s form has slumped with the team languishing at ninth place on the IPL 2025 points table after securing only one victory in four matches. The five-time champions now face a steep climb to revive their season, starting with a clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Chandigarh on April 8.
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