Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull suggests that leading Mumbai Indians (MI) is currently a far more arduous challenge than captaining Chennai Super Kings (CSK). According to Doull, the key difference lies in the strategic and subtle way MS Dhoni is managing his influence during a delicate leadership transition at CSK.
What MS is doing so well is he’s staying away: Simon Doull
The franchise has been carefully navigating a long-term shift away from the Dhoni era, a process that has matured significantly since the earlier, turbulent transition under Ravindra Jadeja. The current handover to Ruturaj Gaikwad is defined by a measured, behind-the-scenes approach that stands in stark contrast to the abrupt and highly scrutinized leadership changes often seen in professional sports.
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Doull credits much of this stability to Dhoni’s deliberate decision to distance himself from the day-to-day spotlight. By choosing to stay away from the stadium on matchdays while he recovers from a calf injury, Dhoni has effectively minimized his presence, allowing the team to function with a sense of clarity. This strategic withdrawal has successfully reduced external noise and pressure, providing the necessary space for the new leadership structure to evolve without constant comparison or interference.
“What MS is doing so well is he’s staying away. He’s staying away from the ground… trying in his best possible way, from an absolute legend of the game, to make sure that when they get to the ground the team is ruthless," Doull said on Cricbuzz.
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He's progressing really well: Mike Hussey on Dhoni's fitness
Meanwhile, CSK batting coach Mike Hussey provided an update on Dhoni’s recovery during the clash against the Mumbai Indians. Explaining that the veteran is waiting to build calf confidence, Hussey confirmed that the talisman will resume his wicketkeeping duties only when he is 100 percent fit and ready to make a full contribution to the team's campaign in IPL 2026.
"He's progressing really well. I know he's pushing hard to get back as quickly as he possibly can. I know all the fans want to see MS Dhoni out there playing as well. So we're hopeful maybe in the next few games. We want him back as quickly as he possibly can as well. But obviously he needs to be close to 100% ready to give his best. He's been batting well in the nets. Just needs to run hard between the wickets too," Hussey told the broadcasters during the match.