IPL 2025: 3 Reasons why MS Dhoni should be part of CSK Playing XI

MS Dhoni, the legendary Chennai Super Kings (CSK) keeper-batter, has come under criticism from all quarters in IPL 2025. Dhoni was retained by CSK for INR 4 crores as an uncapped player before the IPL 2025 auction. He has ruffled CSK fans' feathers by batting extremely lower down the order, despite the team’s needs.

He played the IPL 2024 with a hamstring issue, but his bat continued big time for the CSK, though they didn’t qualify for the playoffs. However, in IPL 2025, even the CSK coach, Stephen Fleming, admitted that MS Dhoni is struggling with his knees and has conditioned himself to bat at no. 8 or 9 to hit big shots, as he can’t bat for 10 overs now.  

There have been calls for MS Dhoni to be used as an impact player for his wicketkeeping and let someone else bat in his place. Hence, today we will see the 3 reasons why MS Dhoni should continue in the CSK playing XI for IPL 2025.

Here are the 3 reasons why MS Dhoni should be part of CSK's playing XI in IPL 2025:

1. MS Dhoni is still terrific as the wicketkeeper

Does Dhoni have a valid cause to retire? In the IPL, he is the top wicketkeeper. He showed his brilliance behind the stumps with two lightning-quick stumpings so far in the tournament. Also, CSK has not invested in a big Indian wicketkeeper to be a backup for Dhoni, with Devon Conway and Shaikh Rasheed being the two keeping options they have.

MS Dhoni himself has said that he feels useless if he is not keeping wickets, and this helps him in keeping an eye on the pace of the match and field placings.

2. Crucial advice to Ruturaj Gaikwad in crunch situations

In the IPL 2024, Ruturaj Gaikwad performed admirably as captain of the Chennai Super Kings, but the Yellow Army narrowly lost out on a postseason berth. MS Dhoni's return to the field continues to give Ruturaj more confidence, as he needs a few more years to establish himself as the IPL captain.

Ruturaj Gaikwad has received some flak for his insipid captaincy in the IPL 2025 so far, as the team lost their next 2 matches after winning against MI. However, having MS Dhoni and his experience still gives Gaikwad some support and a sounding board to bounce his ideas off.  

3. Hitting prowess might have weakened, not disappeared

He continues to be CSK's top finisher and scores runs fast. He can step in when needed. In the 2023 IPL, Dhoni batted at a strike rate of 182.46. He batted with a strike rate of 220.55 in the 2024 Indian Premier League.

Dhoni takes advantage of every delivery he encounters, despite the fact that he doesn't face many balls. Dhoni continues to serve his team's needs both behind the wickets and with the bat.

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