The 2025 IPL season has been one to forget for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). With 10 defeats in 13 matches, they have crashed out of the playoffs and are heading towards a complete reset ahead of the IPL 2026 mega auction.
The biggest question on every fan’s mind: Is it time for MS Dhoni to retire from IPL?
Time to Move On From MS Dhoni?
At 43 and battling long-standing knee injuries, MS Dhoni’s role in CSK is under scrutiny. While his fan following remains unmatched, Dhoni has struggled to deliver consistently. He scored only 196 runs in 13 matches, with a strike rate of 135.2. Although he remains a capable finisher, his impact has reduced compared to previous seasons.
CSK’s management is expected to have internal discussions with Dhoni after the final league match against Gujarat Titans on May 25. A decision on his retirement or retention will likely shape Chennai’s future planning.
Batting Woes: Top Order Must Be Rebuilt
CSK’s top-order failure was a major reason for their poor season. Their top-order average (23.31) and strike rate (142.48) were the worst among all franchises.
Key batters who underperformed:
- Rachin Ravindra – Avg: 27.3
- Devon Conway – Avg: 23.5
- Rahul Tripathi – Failed to impress
These players are likely to be released before the IPL 2026 auction. Chennai might choose to back young talents like Urvil Patel (163 runs at 181 SR) and Ayush Mhatre. Dewald Brevis also showed promise, scoring 168 runs at 164.71 strike rate.
Middle-Order & All-Rounders: More Tough Calls Ahead
Veteran Indian batters Vijay Shankar and Deepak Hooda failed to stabilize the middle-order and may also face the axe. While Ravindra Jadeja showed decent form (280 runs, 8 wickets), Ravichandran Ashwin struggled with both bat and ball.
Ashwin’s numbers:
- Runs: 33
- Wickets: 8
- Bowling Average: 40.43
CSK may consider releasing Ashwin to free up funds for younger options.
Bowling Concerns: Pathirana Needs a Reset
Matheesha Pathirana, the Sri Lankan pace sensation, didn’t live up to expectations this season. He took only 12 wickets in 11 games at a high economy rate of 10.17. However, head coach Stephen Fleming remains optimistic about his future with CSK.
“Batsmen are reading him better now. He just needs to regain confidence and refine his skills,” Fleming said.
Despite the dip in form, Pathirana is likely to be retained, with CSK backing him to return stronger.
What Should CSK Do Before IPL 2026?
Here’s a list of players CSK could consider releasing before the 2026 auction:
- Rachin Ravindra
- Devon Conway
- Rahul Tripathi
- Vijay Shankar
- Deepak Hooda
- Ravichandran Ashwin
What CSK Needs:
- Explosive Indian top-order batsmen
- Reliable middle-order foreign hitters
- Young, aggressive Indian all-rounders
- Improved death bowling strategies
Conclusion: A New Era for CSK?
Whether MS Dhoni retires or continues, CSK must accept that their old core is past its prime. With a mega auction coming in 2026, Chennai must focus on building a young, fearless, and future-ready squad.
The legacy of CSK is too rich to be left in decline. It’s time to rebuild.
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