IPL 2025: Tale Of Two Captains, MS Dhoni And Ajijnkya Rahane

As the IPL 2025 heads towards the business end two captains who cut a sorry figure but have put up with criticism bravely - MS Dhoni and Ajinkya Rahane - are a class apart.

For those who are unaware, these two men have served Indian cricket durably, and also played at the same time. For the sheer depth with which Dhoni spoke on Sunday (May 25) night after CSK defeated Gujarat Titans, was defining.

Thala Dhoni Ends Season On A Positive Note For Chennai in IPL 2025

There was a calm in his voice the way he summed up the proceedings in a season gone wrong. For those who blame the IPL auction strategy being flawed, Dhoni did point out the sudden exit of injured Ruturaj Gaikwad was terrible.

Elevated as captain, Ruturaj was the chosen one as CSK had decided to pass on the baton from Dhoni two years back. There was a school of thought which felt Suresh Raina or even Ravindra Jadeja would go on to lead CSK, but that did not happen.

Raina had to leave the IPL in weird circumstances four years ago in Dubai. Jadeja, somehow, did not fit into the leadership role at all. To say he flopped would be uncharitable.

CSK Fans Backing Team To The Hilt

Talking to CSK fans, this writer received very positive feedback from Chennai and abroad. Common refrain, once a CSK fan, always a fan, till the end. As the team based in Chennai finished at the bottom, there has been no hate message or curse.

There is a calm the way fans have reacted and still supported the side. It tells you about love and maturity from the fans. As for Dhoni, nobody wants him to leave. Certainly not the CSK fans. MS, as Ravi Shastri addresses him, has been brave in accepting captaincy in an emergency and defeats as well. He has not run away, because that has been his forte.

MSD Keeps The Door Open For Return, Or Not

Point to be debated, was this Dhoni's last IPL. Again, Dhoni answered with plenty of brevity. He did not say 'yes' or 'no' to the 2026 season and will weigh in options. At the same time, a man who plays zero cricket through the year, still 'keeps wickets' to stay in touch. None can fault Dhoni for his keeping skills, even today. He will be 44 soon, but age is just a number. So, fingers crossed, as Dhoni heads back to Jharkand for bike rides.

Ajinkya Rahane - The Only Positive For KKR

If Dhoni has been calm, the same goes for Rahane. Propped up as captain at the last minute, handling the KKR team was not easy. Rahane spoke of pressure, how as defending champions to come back and perform at the same level is not easy.

Today marks one year since KKR won the IPL trophy in 2024. But then, fans of KKR are volatile. However, like CSK, KKR fans are passionate and will hope the team can bounce back in 2026. There will be changes for sure, and certainly in the coaching staff. Chandrakant Pandit has not risen to the occasion.

Rahane To Return As KKR Captain? Probably Yes

Rahane has said there were ups and downs. For those who think he is offering an excuse, never say this. Rahane has been a leader in his own way, even for India. As stand-in captain who deputised for Virat Kohli many times, he knows how tough it was to land the captaincy job at KKR.

The Mumbai batter, who had a great first-class season in red ball and white ball says three key players did not peak in the 2025 season. Had it been any other captain, he may have been making it up. No, not Rahane. For those who think Rahane will not lead in 2026, don't jump the gun. Please wait.

--

The author is a senior sports journalist with over three decades of experience.