‘Unsettling for a Young Captain’: MS Dhoni’s Return as CSK Skipper Sparks Debate

MS Dhoni’s surprise return as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain mid-way through IPL 2025 has sparked a fresh debate on leadership transitions in franchise cricket. After Ruturaj Gaikwad suffered an elbow injury that ruled him out for the season, Dhoni stepped in — but the decision has drawn criticism from cricketing voices, including former West Indies batter Daren Ganga.

Dhoni’s Return Raises Long-Term Planning Concerns

Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Ganga openly questioned CSK’s strategy, calling their dependence on Dhoni a risky move for the future. “If you’re planning for next season, you can’t rely on someone who isn’t playing competitive cricket outside the IPL,” Ganga remarked.

He pointed out that CSK now finds itself back where it started — dependent on a 43-year-old legend rather than grooming a next-generation leader. Ganga warned that the franchise may stay stuck in a “cycle of development” without progressing strategically.

CSK’s Leadership Puzzle Continues

Since 2022, CSK has juggled leadership roles. After Dhoni stepped down, Ravindra Jadeja briefly took over but handed back the captaincy due to poor results. Dhoni led again in 2023 before passing the baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad in 2024. Now, due to Gaikwad’s injury, the captaincy has returned once more to the veteran keeper-batter.

While Dhoni’s leadership presence reassures fans, Ganga believes it creates uncertainty within the team. “It’s unsettling when a young captain knows someone behind him still has leadership ambitions,” he said, drawing on his own experience.

Dhoni Still Merits a Spot in the XI

Despite his reservations, Ganga acknowledged Dhoni’s value as a player. “He’s still a quality wicketkeeper and a finisher. He deserves his place in the XI,” he stated. However, he emphasized that being part of the team and leading it are two different things.

CSK fans continue to rally behind Dhoni, but Ganga’s remarks echo a larger sentiment: the franchise must soon look beyond their talisman and prepare a clear succession plan that ensures stability — both in leadership and team identity.

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