'Is MS Dhoni even fit or not?': Suresh Raina defends CSK legend as disastrous IPL season comes to an end

MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings finished last in IPL 2025 with just four wins from 14 games, marking their worst performance since the league became a 10-team tournament. Despite Dhoni's return as captain following Ruturaj Gaikwad's injury, the team struggled throughout the season, leading to heated debates among cricket experts about his role and future with the franchise.

The five-time champions concluded their campaign with a victory against table-toppers Gujarat Titans, but it failed to mask their disappointing season. Dhoni's performance has been a matter of discussion, as his strike rate declined compared to the previous year, although he managed to improve his run tally.

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A notable debate erupted between former India cricketers Suresh Raina, Aakash Chopra, and RP Singh regarding Dhoni's place in the team. The discussion highlighted concerns about his fitness and batting position.

"If MS Dhoni wasn't an uncapped Indian, would he have been a part of the CSK team this year?" questioned Aakash Chopra. In response, Raina replied, "Absolutely, he has been with the team for 18 years. Even now, he hits the most sixes."

"The point is, why is he batting at No. 7, No. 8 or No. 9? Your team isn't batting well, the problems are coming from the top order. Should such a big player bat higher up? Why the reluctance? Is he even fit or not?" Chopra pressed further.



"He feels he is more comfortable in the final four overs. He is fit, keeping wickets at the age of 44. He did an interview in the middle, saying a team for the World Cup (T20) is being made, hence he wants to give others like Shivam Dube more chances," said Raina in an explanatory statement.

"After a knee surgery, he is bound to take time. Every player does. He has been keeping for 20 years, manages himself. Raina also had a knee operation done. He managed himself for some time and eventually recovered," added RP Singh.


The discourse around Dhoni's future has shifted significantly this season. Cricket experts like Sanjay Bangar and Adam Gilchrist, who previously avoided commenting on Dhoni's retirement, have now openly suggested that he should consider stepping away from the game.

Dhoni, 44, has indicated that he will take a few months to decide about his return next season, expressing his immediate plans to return home and enjoy bike rides.


The CSK captain's physical limitations, including his shot-up knees and the time required for match practice, have impacted his performance this season. While his batting average of 53 last year was impressive, his declining strike rate in IPL 2025 has raised concerns about his effectiveness.

Who's that IPL player?

While CSK did finish the 2025 IPL season at the very bottom of the points table, they concluded their season on a high with an impressive 83-run victory over Gujarat Titans.
Get IPL 2025 match schedules, squads, points table, and live scores for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.