Chennai Super Kings Face Tough Decisions as IPL 2025 Season Ends

CSK's Challenges Spark Discussions on Future Direction

The Chennai Super Kings are grappling with significant challenges in IPL 2025, igniting discussions about the team's roster and MS Dhoni's future. Following CSK's defeat to the Rajasthan Royals, former Indian cricketers Aakash Chopra and Sanjay Bangar expressed their opinions on the franchise's next moves. Chopra advocated for a substantial overhaul, while Bangar suggested that Dhoni should contemplate retirement.

“I have a long list actually,” Aakash Chopra remarked during an appearance on a sports show when asked about players CSK should let go before the upcoming auction. “I would release [R] Ashwin, [Ravindra] Jadeja, Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Vijay Shankar, Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi…”

Interestingly, Chopra's list did not mention MS Dhoni, who, at 43, continues to play despite ongoing speculation regarding his position in the team.

Conversely, Sanjay Bangar took a more straightforward approach regarding Dhoni's role, suggesting that the seasoned wicketkeeper-batter should think about stepping down for the team's future growth.

Bangar Advocates for Transition Without Dhoni

Bangar's Perspective on Team Transition

“It all boils down to MS,” Bangar stated in response to Chopra’s remarks. “But if I were MS, I would say 'enough'. I have played what I wanted to play, I have prioritized the franchise's interests... but, you know, you move on.”

He elaborated that remaining in the team solely to facilitate the transition may not be the best approach.

“If you're there thinking the transition will happen quickly, there's never a perfect moment to decide. You might as well accept that, 'even if I leave now, the franchise will grow independently; it may take a year longer, but I won't be around for the entire cycle.'”

Bangar, who has experience coaching young talents at both the franchise and national levels, recognized the physical demands of playing at 43, even for someone as fit as Dhoni.

“At 43, why engage in such a competitive environment? Even participating in local cricket can be tough on the body,” he noted.

Currently, CSK is positioned near the bottom of the IPL 2025 standings and has been eliminated from playoff contention, leading to serious discussions about the team's composition for the next season, with or without Dhoni in IPL 2026.