Sanjay Manjrekar’s recent comments on MS Dhoni’s role at Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2025 have sparked a significant debate among fans and cricket pundits. The former cricketer believes that Dhoni is being underutilized in his current role and suggests that the legendary wicketkeeper-batter could contribute far more effectively if he were to resume captaincy.
CSK’s Tactics Under Scrutiny After RCB Defeat
The discussion about Dhoni’s role intensified after CSK’s disappointing performance against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 28. Chasing a target of 197, CSK lost quick wickets and found themselves struggling at 80 for 6 in the 13th over. Given the precarious situation, many expected Dhoni to step up and stabilize the innings, but the team management instead sent in Ravichandran Ashwin.
Ashwin’s short stay at the crease ended with just 11 runs off 8 balls, and by the time Dhoni walked in to bat, CSK required a near-impossible 66 runs from just four balls. Despite the insurmountable odds, the former skipper smashed an impressive 30 off 16 balls, including 16 runs in the final over. His powerful hitting showcased that he still possesses the ability to turn games around, yet it left many fans frustrated as his entry came too late for CSK to have any realistic chance of winning.
Sanjay Manjrekar’s Bold Statement: Dhoni is Being Wasted
Following the match, Manjrekar voiced his concerns about how CSK is currently utilizing Dhoni. Speaking to JioStar, he stated that Dhoni’s role within the team has shifted away from his traditional leadership responsibilities, and he is being seen more as a brand than as an active game-changer.
"I will look at the larger picture. If you look at this year and even last year, Dhoni is playing more as a brand than as a player. When they select the playing XI, they don’t pick an extra batter because MS is there. MS Dhoni is a bonus for them. He has a different role."
Manjrekar suggested that Dhoni’s leadership skills are going to waste and that the best way for him to maximize his contribution to the team is to return as CSK captain.
"That’s why I think if MS Dhoni is playing and batting so late, he should be the captain. He is doing great as a wicketkeeper, but he would contribute more as captain. Right now, he is being under-utilised."
Should Dhoni Bat Higher in the Order?
One of the biggest concerns for CSK this season has been how late Dhoni is coming in to bat. While his role as a finisher is crucial, there have been several instances where the team collapsed early, and his experience could have been better utilized if he had stepped in sooner.
During IPL 2024, Dhoni maintained a phenomenal strike rate of over 200, proving that he still has the ability to clear the ropes effortlessly. However, his batting time was severely restricted, and this pattern has continued into IPL 2025, leaving many fans and analysts wondering if CSK is making the most of his skills.
Manjrekar did not explicitly say that Dhoni should bat higher in the order, but his comments imply that the former captain should have greater decision-making authority, possibly allowing him to dictate his own entry point into the game.
Dhoni’s Impact as a Captain vs. a Player
Dhoni stepped down as CSK’s full-time captain before IPL 2024, handing over the leadership role to Ruturaj Gaikwad. While Gaikwad is a talented batsman and future leader, the team’s performance has been inconsistent since Dhoni relinquished the armband.
Under Dhoni’s captaincy, CSK won their fifth IPL title in 2023, showcasing his tactical brilliance and ability to bring the best out of his players. However, since Gaikwad took charge, CSK has been struggling with decision-making under pressure, particularly in tight run chases and defending totals.
Last year, CSK narrowly missed out on a playoff spot, finishing fifth due to a weaker Net Run Rate (NRR) compared to RCB. This year, their performances have remained unsteady, and the team appears to lack the strategic flexibility that Dhoni brought to the table.
Many believe that with Dhoni back as captain, CSK would benefit from his vast experience, especially in crucial moments where his leadership could make a difference.
CSK’s Path Forward in IPL 2025: Will Dhoni Step Up Again?
With the season still in its early stages, CSK will need to make key decisions about how to maximize Dhoni’s impact in the coming matches. There are two major questions that the team management will have to address:
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Should Dhoni move up the batting order? Given CSK’s struggles with collapses, promoting Dhoni could provide more stability in critical situations.
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Should Dhoni be reinstated as captain? Manjrekar’s comments have sparked conversations about whether CSK should bring back their most successful leader to help them navigate tougher challenges ahead.
For now, CSK fans continue to rally behind Dhoni, but as the tournament progresses, the management may have to rethink their strategy if they want to remain strong contenders for the IPL 2025 trophy.
One thing remains undeniable—whether as a batsman, wicketkeeper, or leader, MS Dhoni is still one of the most influential figures in IPL history, and CSK must ensure that his presence is fully utilized to keep their championship hopes alive.
