"It's Enough": MS Dhoni Urged to Step Down After CSK's Poor IPL 2025 Performance
From leading India to their first T20 World Cup in 2007, followed by the iconic ODI World Cup win in 2011 and the Champions Trophy in 2013, completing a rare ICC treble. MS Dhoni once had the golden touch. Both the Indian team and Chennai Super Kings reached unprecedented heights, with him in charge. Echoes of a legendary era that seems to be slipping further into the past, as those triumphs now feel like distant memories.
At 43, Dhoni is still trying to carry CSK forward, but this season has shown how tough that’s become. Despite his dedication and brief training stints, age and time are catching up. The 2025 IPL season has been a tough pill to swallow for CSK fans—this is the first time the franchise has ended up at the bottom of the table, managing just three wins in 13 games.
While there’s still a slim chance CSK could improve their position with a big win, it would take a near-miracle to overcome a dominant Gujarat Titans side. Even if they pull it off, the margin needed to overtake Rajasthan Royals is massive, and realistically, it’s not looking good.
The decline didn’t just start this season—it can be traced back to some questionable decisions at the auction table. Then came injuries, including one to Ruturaj Gaikwad, which led to Dhoni stepping back into the captaincy. Fans hoped he could reignite the spark, but that magic never came. Now, CSK is at a crossroads and facing calls for a serious rebuild.
Former India coach Sanjay Bangar believes it’s time for Dhoni to step away and let the team move on.
“Playing at 43 in such a competitive environment is incredibly difficult,” Bangar said on ESPNcricinfo. “Even local cricket takes a toll on the body. If I were MS, I’d say, ‘That’s it.’ I’ve played for as long as I wanted, looked after the franchise’s interests, and now it’s time to step back. There's never a perfect time for a transition. But holding on might actually slow things down. Let it happen, even if it takes a year longer.”
CSK has had an up-and-down ride over the last six IPL seasons. They missed the Playoffs in 2020, 2022, 2024, and now 2025, though they did win titles in 2021 and 2023. That continued faith in Dhoni is likely what’s kept him in the mix, and if recent reports are accurate, he hasn’t signaled retirement just yet. In fact, there’s a strong chance he might return for another season.
But with CSK’s current form and future on the line, fans and experts alike are starting to wonder: Is it finally time for Dhoni to say goodbye?
