Not Dhoni's Fault: Uthappa Blames Rest Of The Team For Poor IPL Show
CSK suffered their fourth successive defeat in IPL 2025 on Tuesday, April 8 (Tuesday). Despite Dhoni coming up to bat at No.5, he was unable to take the team over the finishing line.
MS Dhoni is not to be blamed for Chennai Super Kings' miserable campaign in IPL 2025, believes former cricketer Robin Uthappa following the team's defeat to Punjab Kings on Tuesday, April 8. The loss marks their fourth consecutive loss in the ongoing IPL season.
CSK came under heavy scrutiny for their tactical decisions, particularly for deploying Dhoni as low as No. 8 or No. 9 in the batting order, a move that sparked widespread criticism regarding the team’s overall approach.
However, that wasn’t the case against Punjab Kings, as 'Thala' walked in at No. 5 but couldn’t steer the side to victory in Mullanpur. Reacting to CSK’s fourth consecutive defeat, Robin Uthappa dismissed suggestions that MS Dhoni was part of the problem.
"I don't think there was ever a lack of intent from MS Dhoni. Even outside the IPL, I believe he has passed on responsibility to others and given them a clear understanding of what to expect in the coming years as CSK rebuilds into a championship-contending side. That transition is happening, and while we would love to see MS bat the way he is right now, perhaps a little higher up the order, I don't think the problem lies at the end," as stated by Robin Uthappa.
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MS Dhoni has scored 103 runs in three IPL 2025 innings at a strike rate of 153.73. However, his pattern to bat only in the final overs often when the match is beyond reach has drawn criticism. After the RCB clash, Virender Sehwag even joked that Dhoni had walked in “too early,” highlighting concerns over his batting approach.
Chennai Super Kings retained their iconic skipper, MS Dhoni, for Rs 4 crore during the 2024 mega-auction. A key rule change introduced by the IPL played a significant role in enabling CSK to secure Dhoni at a relatively modest price. As per the revised regulation, Indian players who hadn’t represented the national team in the past five years shall be classified as uncapped, bringing Dhoni under that bracket.
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