Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been bad this season, winning only 2 out of 9 matches, hanging their playoff hopes in a thread of miracles.
Former India cricketer and CSK player Suresh Raina has expressed concern about the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) management and their auction strategy, talking about the team’s poor performance in IPL 2025 to lack MS Dhoni’s participation. According to Raina, the common belief is that Dhoni takes all major decisions in CSK, misleading. While Dhoni remains a committed leader, he has not been involved in especially about the auction, back and forth decisions.
Conflict and mismanagement in CSK
The current season of CSK is filled with challenges, and his expectations for the playoffs after his 7th defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad last night is almost over. Despite experimenting with various combinations, the team’s efforts, including debuting Developed Brevis and promoting the opener to the young Ayush Mhatre, have not given positive results.
Raina reported that the team administration, which oversees Kashi Vishwanathan and Rupa Gurunath, was responsible for the selection of the player, indicating that the team was not under the direct control of Dhoni. “Kashi sir – I think he has been handling the administration for about 30 to 40 years now. And Rupa Ma’am is managing all cricket administration – to buy players, maintain the core group. But everyone knows that this time the purchased players were not chosen properly,” Raina said on Star Sports.
Myth of control of MS Dhoni
Raina clarified that while Dhoni could be advised about some decisions, he does not manage the auction process. “They always say that MS Dhoni makes the last call. But to be very honest, I never participated in any auction. I was never a part of the discussions. I always talked about the players who were retained.” He said that the core group handles the auction, and Dhoni may recommend to maintain only a few players.
Dhoni’s commitment to vs the team’s incompatibility
Raina also questioned the contribution of highly paid players who are not giving results. “He is just playing for the brand, for his name, for his name – and still putting in attempt. At the age of 43, he is taking wicketkeeping, captaining, taking the entire team to his shoulders. But what are the other ten players?” He questioned.
Raina asks the players to prove themselves as match-winners and improve their views. “You have to identify-is this player a match-winner? Can I rely on this player in the next match?”
looking ahead
There are only five games left in the group stage, CSK’s path for playoffs is now hanging around uncertainty. Raina estimated that Dhoni could consider changes, as he reflected his comments after the team’s recent loss. “I think MS Dhoni will sit now – he would not want anyone around him. He must have made his mind.” He indicated that there may be a discussion within the team soon.
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