Chennai Super Kings suffered their third defeat in four matches in IPL 2025 when they were outplayed by 25 runs by Delhi Capitals at Chepauk on Saturday. Though MS Dhoni came in at a crucial stage of the run-chase, the veteran CSK captain could not change the course of the game for the team.

Chasing 184, CSK were 74/5 when Dhoni came in during the 11th over. He was the lone seasoned batsman left in the side and was due to lead a turnaround. Instead, his remarkably conservative strategy raised eyebrows, with supporters terming it a primary cause of CSK’s loss.

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Dhoni’s knock generates more questions than answers

Dhoni was unbeaten on 30 off 26 balls, but his innings were not as urgent as the situation required. With the needed run rate increasing at a very fast pace, the 42-year-old scored only 13 runs from his first 18 balls — singles and a couple of doubles.

His partner, Vijay Shankar, too found it difficult to push along, though he had already faced a long time at the crease. The pair shared the strike in the middle overs but boundaries were few, and the asking rate shot up to well over 22 runs per over by the 18th.

Dhoni discovered rhythm only in the last two overs, hitting a four off backward point and a six over long-on. But by then, the game had already shifted heavily in Delhi’s favor. With 64 required off the last three overs, CSK‘s chances of a turnaround were over in no time.

Fan outrage and increasing controversy about Dhoni’s future

CSK fans, though happy to see Dhoni again at the crease at Chepauk, took to social media to express their dismay. The veterans’ decision to take the chase deep without aggressive batting initially raised several questions in many people’s minds.

Calls for his retirement have grown louder since the match. Fans criticised Dhoni’s approach, arguing that it not only cost the team a winnable game but also hinted at a diminishing impact on the field.

A pattern repeating this season

This isn’t the first time this season that Dhoni’s batting position or approach has come under scrutiny. In CSK’s earlier loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he walked out to bat at No. 9 despite the team facing a massive total. That match ended in a 50-run defeat.

With the recent defeat against DC, Chennai are now eighth in the IPL 2025 points table with only two points from four games and a Net Run Rate (NRR) of -0.851.

Pressure mounts on CSK as tournament goes on

Dhoni’s position in the team and his game plan have now become the main points of discussion. Although his experience is still priceless, fans and pundits alike are wondering if his conservatism is now damaging the team.

As CSK try to get their campaign back on track, they’ll have to re-evaluate their middle-order plans—and whether Dhoni’s presence still gives them the advantage they’ve always depended on.