Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni finds himself at the center of controversy ahead of their IPL 2025 clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on May 3. After relinquishing captaincy last season to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhoni returned to lead CSK following Gaikwad’s season-ending elbow injury. This isn’t the first time Dhoni has reclaimed leadership mid-season; in 2022, he took over from Ravindra Jadeja. However, West Indies great and IPL 2025 commentator Darren Ganga has accused Dhoni of holding onto captaincy ambitions while projecting disinterest, creating an unsettling environment for emerging leaders.

Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Ganga criticized CSK’s over-reliance on Dhoni, labeling it detrimental to the team’s future. “For a player like Ruturaj Gaikwad, it’s not a good situation. He knows there’s someone behind him who still wants to captain but is shown as uninterested. This happened with Jadeja too,” Ganga said. He argued that Dhoni’s lingering leadership aspirations disrupt the transition to younger players, drawing from his own experience in similar situations. Ganga also questioned CSK’s planning, stating, “If you’re planning for next season, isn’t it risky to pin hopes on a player who doesn’t play competitive cricket between IPL seasons?”

CSK’s IPL 2025 campaign has been disastrous, with the five-time champions already eliminated from the playoffs after losing eight of ten matches. Languishing at the bottom of the points table, the team faces RCB in their 11th game, with little but pride to play for. Despite the criticism, Ganga acknowledged Dhoni’s value in the playing XI, citing his experience and fan appeal. However, he stressed that captaincy has a “shelf life,” and CSK’s failure to move on after 18 years under Dhoni raises concerns about their long-term vision.

The allegations highlight a broader debate about balancing legacy with progress. As CSK prepares to face RCB, all eyes will be on Dhoni—not just for his performance but for how he navigates the growing scrutiny surrounding his leadership role.