Mahendra Singh Dhoni has defied time for years, but IPL 2025 is exposing a truth CSK fans don’t want to hear—his finishing prowess is fading. The aura remains, but the impact is dwindling. As he inches toward what could be his final IPL season, the question looms: is Dhoni still the asset CSK needs, or is nostalgia clouding judgment?
Is the Finisher Finished?
Dhoni built his legend on an uncanny ability to take games deep and finish them with ice-cold precision. But lately, that same approach seems to be backfiring. Against Rajasthan Royals, CSK needed 54 off 25 balls when he walked in. The Dhoni of old would have orchestrated a calculated chase, punishing bowlers for the slightest mistake. Instead, he looked slow, hesitant, and unable to find the boundary when it mattered most.
CSK lost by six runs—not a massive margin, but a clear sign that their talisman is struggling to play his once-signature role.
Too Late, Too Little: The Batting Order Dilemma
One of the biggest frustrations surrounding Dhoni’s recent IPL outings is his reluctance to promote himself up the order. In the past, he dictated chases by pacing his innings strategically. Now, he often waits until the last possible moment to bat—sometimes as low as No. 9—by which point, the game is often beyond saving.
CSK coach Stephen Fleming acknowledges this, citing Dhoni’s physical limitations:
“His knees aren’t what they used to be… He can’t bat 10 overs running full stick.”
That’s a troubling admission. If Dhoni’s fitness prevents him from batting earlier, doesn’t that make him more of a liability than an asset?
The Decline in Numbers Tells a Grim Story
Dhoni has never been a player defined by stats alone—his impact has always transcended numbers. But the data from recent IPL seasons is impossible to ignore:
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Balls faced per season (2008-2020 average): 260.5
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Balls faced in 2023: 57
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Balls faced in 2024: 73
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Balls faced so far in 2025: 29
This sharp decline suggests a player who is no longer central to CSK’s batting plans. Even when he does bat, he no longer has the luxury of taking time to settle in—something that was crucial to his finishing ability in the past.
CSK’s Over-Reliance on a Fading Star
Chennai Super Kings are known for backing their veterans, but at what cost? The team’s struggles in chases—especially targets above 180—have been well-documented. Former India opener Virender Sehwag bluntly pointed out:
“For five years, CSK have been unable to chase totals of more than 180.”
With Dhoni struggling to finish games, and no clear heir apparent, CSK’s over-reliance on their aging icon is hurting their ability to evolve.
A Fairytale Ending or a Painful Exit?
Dhoni’s words before the season hinted at a desire to play with the innocence of his younger years. But cricket, especially T20, is ruthless. If he truly wants to enjoy the game like he did as a child, he may need to make peace with a reduced role—or even consider whether this should be his last dance.
A legend’s exit should be on his own terms, but holding on too long can tarnish even the greatest legacies. Will Dhoni recognize when it’s time to walk away, or will CSK’s faith in their Thala turn into a case of misplaced sentimentality?