Chennai Super Kings (CSK) maintained their age-old strategy of maintaining a fine balance of experience and talent as they bought players in IPL 2025 auction. While majority of the big players roped in by the side were formerly a part of the franchise, there are hardly few big-hitters who have found a new home in the CSK camp. Not to forget, CSK has a strong core middle-order comprising of Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni.
But with the recruitment of new middle-order talents like Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar and others, is it time for MS Dhoni to pave way for them in the playing XI and instead act just as an ‘impact player’?
Why MS Dhoni must strictly be an impact player for CSK in IPL 2025
It is no mystery that the uncapped player rule that was introduced by the BCCI before IPL 2025 auction favours MS Dhoni the most. With 5243 runs from 264 games, MS Dhoni as a batter simply can’t be ignored from the playing XI. But here’s where Dhoni’s issues with his knee and his form come into fray.
MSD underwent a knee surgery right after IPL 2024. He literally played the season with his knee bandaged. Now, CSK can use MS Dhoni as an impact player to ensure that they gain the most in the death overs. Known to be a destructive finisher, there is hardly anyone in the business who could be better than Dhoni.
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CSK have a back-up keeper handy after managing to buy back Devon Conway. Additionally, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was named Dhoni’s successor as CSK captain ahead of IPL 2024, seems to have learnt a lot from the man himself. Besides, the presence of other seniors including Ravindra Jadeja and Ashwin will help Gaikwad with decision making. With that being said, CSK should cash-in on the impact player rule and use it specifically for MS Dhoni. The team and the fans would want to see Dhoni swing a few hits out of the park more than wanting to see him stand behind the stumps for 20 overs.
As for CSK’s middle-order, the likes of Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda can provide stability for the side, courtesy of their ability to accelerate at will. And if things ever go south for the side, CSK can always opt to send in MS Dhoni as the ‘impact player’.
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