Dhoni’s Captaincy Role Raises Questions After CSK Exit

Chennai Super Kings, in their 10th match of the series, lost the chance to make it to the playoffs. They suffered their 8th defeat of the tournament against PBKS in Chepauk, which ended their journey towards the playoffs.

For the first time in IPL history, Chennai Super Kings have missed out on the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. The legendary captain, who has won 5 IPL titles and competed in 11 finals, failed to take his team further this season. Their recent loss on Wednesday by 4 wickets against PBKS determined their exit from the tournament.

Dhoni’s Unexpected Interim Captaincy

After Ruturaj Gaikwad sustained a serious injury, Dhoni was named interim captain for the rest of the tournament. However, the change in captaincy could not change CSK’s chances of winning and making the playoffs.

The unfortunate loss against PBKS has raised talks about MS Dhoni’s future at CSK. According to former West Indies cricketer Daren Ganga, Dhoni still has a dominant place in CSK’s playing XI, but called them out for once again handing the captaincy to Dhoni.

Daren Ganga Questions Dhoni’s Captaincy

Ganga questioned Chennai’s decision to build the team around Dhoni, who does not play competitive cricket outside the IPL. According to him, CSK’s attachment to Dhoni hinders their progress as a team.

Daren Ganga said on ESPNCricinfo: “Yeah, but to me, is that not high risk for a team if you’re planning for next season? You’re pegging your hopes on a player who is not playing competitive cricket between IPL seasons. Isn’t that putting yourself at a disadvantage? One, on the fitness of that player, the availability of that player to play an entire season. You find yourself back at square one.

Ganga added, “I feel having a guy like Ruturaj Gaikwad and, in the past, Ravindra Jadeja, in that sort of unsettling situation where it seems that MS still has ambitions of captaincy, is not a good situation to be in. I’ve been in that situation before. It is very unsettling for you when you know that there’s someone behind you who still has ambitions, but it is being shown as though he is not interested in the job.”

Chennai Super Kings is the first team to be eliminated from the playoffs race. They remain at the bottom of the points table with only 2 wins. Their next match is against the Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 3 at Chinnaswamy Stadium.

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