Former Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Adam Gilchrist wants legendary Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni to hang his boots on the completition of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. After Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of the tournament, Dhoni took over the reins once again but CSK are still languishing at the bottom of the points table. The former Australian wicketkeeper-batter does not want 'champion' and 'icon' Dhoni to play in the next season of the cash-rich league.
"The big one, MS Dhoni. He has nothing more to prove to anyone in the game. He has achieved everything that there is. MS… well, he'll know what he wants to do, but I'm saying, for the future – it's going to cost me this, I know – but he perhaps doesn't need to be there next year. I love you, MS. You are a champion, an icon," the IPL-winning now-defunct Deccan Chargers captain said on Cricbuzz.
CSK have just two wins from nine games. Their last win at home came under Gaikwad's captaincy in the IPL 2025 opener against Mumbai Indians (MI). Since Dhoni took over this season, their only win came against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The 43-year-old registered an unbeaten 26 off 11 balls in the successful run chase on April 14.
Dhoni's struggle with knee and batting numbers in IPL 2025
Dhoni has been facing knee issues. He has been criticising for batting down the order, at no.9 on a couple of occassions. CSK head coach Stephen Fleming has said that Dhoni can't bat for straight 10 overs due to his knee issue.
In the ongoing season, Dhoni has scored 140 runs from nine innings at an average of 28 and strike rate of 142.85. These include three single-digit scores.
In the previous clash against PBKS, Dhoni arrived at the crease in the 16th over. He hit three sixes and a four in his 12-ball 27. But, CSK ended up losing the high-scoring encounter at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh by 18 runs.