It hasn't been a smooth ride for MS Dhoni in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. After Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out of the tournament due to injury, Dhoni took over the captaincy of Chennai Super Kings (CSK). However, Dhoni taking over as captain did not change CSK's fortunes as they were comprehensively beaten by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at home. The defeat gave rise to several questions. Dhoni's former teammate Manoj Tiwary had a few questions as well. Tiwary launched a scathing attack and even asked whether 'their brains stopped working?' during the game.
"Why do they not go to the drawing board early? I think, it is obvious that you re-assess after a loss. But some things that are taking place is beyond my understanding. Like, when Ashwin was bowling today, earlier to all the left-handers he bowled round the stumps, but today he bowled over the stumps. It became very easy for Sunil Narine. These small things...when you have such an experienced player and wicketkeeper like MS Dhoni? Have their brains stopped working?" asked the former India batter in Cricbuzz's post-match show.
Sunil Narine hit five sixes and two fours in his 18-ball 44. He also questioned players' shot selection and the decision to introduce left-arm chinaman bowler Noor Ahmad in the eighth over.
"From hereon CSK's cart is going to go downhill. It seemed like that from the last three-four matches. You see the shot selection of the players, after playing form 20-25 years, you get to realise what can happen. I couldn't understand some things. Your Purple Cap winner is Noor Ahmad, but when did he come to bowl? In the 8th over. And in the first ball itself, he scalped the wicket of Sunil Narine," said the 39-year-old.
"Naturally, the cricket sense tells you that if the opposition spinners are doing so well, then you have the Purple Cap winner, why not bring him early? Generally MS Dhoni does not make such a mistake. I have not seen it in so many years. Why it happened today, maybe it is worth knowing," he added.
CSK in dire straits
Dhoni walked out to bat at no.9 and was dismissed for a single-digit score by Narine. CSK managed to post 103/9, their lowest total in Chepauk. As CSK suffered their fifth consecutive defeat for the first time in a season, they are placed ninth on the points table. CSK's chances of making it to playoffs look bleak. They will have a chance to revive themselves when CSK go up against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 14.