New Delhi: Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes MS Dhoni is playing more as a brand than as a player for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and is not getting utilised properly by the franchise. Manjrekar feels CSK should reappoint Dhoni as captain to get maximum contribution from the legendary wicket-keeper batter.
Manjrekar’s comments came after Dhoni faced intense criticism for coming out to bat at no.9 during CSK’s 197-run chase against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on Friday. Despite CSK struggling in the chase with the required run rate racing over 15, Dhoni held himself as CSK promoted R Ashwin over him, a decision that left many scratching their heads.
CSK eventually fell short in the run chase and lost the game by 50 runs. Dhoni scored 30 off 16 balls, but 16 of those runs came in the last over when CSK had already conceded defeat with 66 needed off the last 4 balls. While Manjrekar refused to engage in the debate on whether Dhoni should have batted up the order, he suggested the wicket-keeper batter should be leading the side to contribute fully.
“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 said on Jio Hotstar.
“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,” he added.
Dhoni was retained by CSK as an uncapped player for Rs 4 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega-auction last year after he stepped down from captaincy last season and handed over the baton to current skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. While he showcased that he still could clear the ropes easily and maximise the death overs, Dhoni mostly restricted himself to batting a handful of deliveries last season.
Many expected the veteran wicket-keeper batter to up the order this season considering he is one of the designated finishers in the side. However, Dhoni’s decision to bat at no.9 gainst RCB left many disappointed as the criticised the former skipper for not taking the responsibility of putting up a fight in a run-chase that was sneaking out of CSK’s grasp by the time they lost Shivam Dube at 80/6.
CSK will look to bounce back against RR
Chennai Super Kings will be hoping to bounce back to winning ways when they take on the Rajasthan Royals in their next game in Guwahati on Sunday, March 30. The 50-run defeat against RCB at Chepauk was CSK’s first loss of the season after they beat Mumbai Indians in their opener. While Dhoni has been in the spotlight for his decision to bat at number 9, several CSK batters failed to deliver in the game.
CSK might look to make a few changes in the XI against Rajasthan Royals as the duo of Rahul Tripathi and Deepak Hooda has failed in both matches, creating significant pressure on the batting line-up. It remains to be seen if the CSK team management will continue to back the duo or will drop them against RR.
A former India star has suggested Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to reappoint MS Dhoni as the captain of the franchise, stating that he is playing more as a brand than a player and is being underutilised as a batter. IPL Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
