IPL 2025: Sunil Gavaskar feels MS Dhoni decided to play one more season for CSK's benefit

MS Dhoni is captaining Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025 after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s ouster.

MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) recently became first team to get eliminated from the playoffs race in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2025). CSK were eliminated after losing their must-win home game against Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Notably, the Super Kings have failed to qualify for the playoffs for a second consecutive time in the IPL. They failed to reach the playoffs last season after failing to win their last league game of the season against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

MS Dhoni always has been credited for making CSK the most successful team in the tournament in terms of both title wins and playoffs qualifications. However, he completely struggled to replicate his magical captaincy this time. Notably, Dhoni took the reins of the side after the initial five games post injured Ruturaj Gaikwad’s ouster.

MS Dhoni’s decision to play one more season is based on what’s best for CSK: Sunil Gavaskar

Interestingly, CSK retained Dhoni as an uncapped player for IPL 2025. The wicket-keeper batter was retained by the franchise for INR 4 crores in their squad. Ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction, there were doubts whether Dhoni would play another season in the IPL.

However, he made a comeback to the season. Speaking about Dhoni’s decision to play one more season, cricketer-turned-commentator Sunil Gavaskar said Dhoni took the decision for the betterment of the franchise and not his personal good.

“Any player makes decisions not so much for himself, but for what is likely to be good for the team. Whatever decision MSD made about playing this season would have been based solely on what’s best for CSK. Any future decision he takes will also depend entirely on what’s good for CSK—not necessarily what’s good for himself,” Gavaskar said during a conversation with Sports Tak.

The Indian batting legend also criticized CSK’s poor strategy during IPL 2025 mega auction. Gavaskar feels they should not have relied on local leagues to find players. According to Gavaskar, CSK’s scouting team is not as effective as other franchises.

“First and foremost, they need to get their auction strategy right. I’m not too sure their scouting team is as effective as those of other franchises. That said, scouts shouldn’t rely solely on leagues like the Jharkhand League, UP League, or others like them. Success in those leagues, often played on smaller grounds against relatively ordinary bowling attacks, doesn’t necessarily translate to higher levels,” the 75-year-old added.

The Indian batting legend also feels that many players who dominate in such local leagues are unable to tackle international quality bowlers. Hence, the Super Kings should have focused more on strengthening their bowling department.

“Many players who dominate these leagues with big hitting often fail when they face international-quality bowling. So, if you’re scouting talent, focus more on the bowlers. Strengthening the bowling attack is critical—if your bowlers can restrict the opposition and consistently take wickets, you have a real edge,” Gavaskar further added.

Meanwhile, CSK are set to face RCB in their next match of IPL 2025. The RCB vs CSK clash takes place on Saturday, May 3. RCB have the home advantage in the clash as it takes place at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. CSK have lost eight games out of 10 so far and will play four more games in the tournament.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.