Suresh Raina Vs Aakash Chopra On 'MS Dhoni's Fitness'

MS Dhoni's performance in IPL 2025 has sparked debates, despite not being at his peak. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), once a dominant force in the Indian Premier League, have struggled recently. Although they clinched two titles since 2021, their journey this season ended with them finishing last, securing only four victories out of 14 matches.

Dhoni's return as captain after Ruturaj Gaikwad's injury didn't change CSK's fate. His age and knee issues have affected his game impact. Last year, he excelled with an average of 53, but this year saw a dip in his strike rate despite more runs. CSK concluded their season with a win over Gujarat Titans, yet it did little for their pride.

Debate on Dhoni's Role

After the match, experts discussed Dhoni's influence, leading to a heated exchange between Suresh Raina and Aakash Chopra. RP Singh also joined the debate. Chopra questioned if Dhoni would be part of CSK if he wasn't an uncapped Indian player. Raina defended Dhoni, highlighting his long association with the team and his six-hitting prowess.

Chopra further questioned why Dhoni bats lower down the order when the top order struggles. He wondered about Dhoni's fitness and reluctance to bat higher. Raina explained that Dhoni prefers batting in the final overs and is fit enough to keep wickets at 44 years old.

Dhoni's Future Plans

This season has seen former players like Sanjay Bangar and Adam Gilchrist openly suggest that Dhoni should retire, unlike previous years when they left the decision to him. However, Dhoni remains undecided about his future. After the recent match, he mentioned having months to decide on returning next year but is currently focused on enjoying bike rides at home.

RP Singh added that post-knee surgery recovery takes time for any player. He cited Raina's similar experience with knee surgery and eventual recovery as an example of managing oneself through such challenges.