IPL 2025: Tom Moody Feels MS Dhoni Has Lost His Spark Compared to Previous Seasons
CSK’s Downfall and Dhoni’s Waning Impact in IPL 2025
Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, have endured a disappointing 2025 season. The five-time champions were the first team to be knocked out of playoff contention, marking a sharp fall from their usual high standards. A major setback came when their regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad suffered a hairline fracture in his elbow midway through the season. In his absence, MS Dhoni returned as stand-in captain, but his leadership has sparked significant debate.
Dhoni, revered as one of the sharpest cricketing minds, hasn’t looked at his best this season. Former Australian cricketer and coach Tom Moody offered a blunt assessment, stating that Dhoni lacked the same spark and energy seen in recent years. “Every team is a mirror of their leaders. I just don’t know whether what I am seeing is correct, but certainly my observation is that the spark is not there that I have seen in previous years,” Moody said on ESPN Cricinfo’s ‘TimeOut’ show.
Dhoni’s batting position has been particularly contentious. On two occasions, he has come out to bat at No. 9, drawing criticism from pundits who believe he’s underutilizing his finishing skills. Aside from a brief impact against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium, Dhoni hasn’t been able to steer CSK to victories in pressure moments.
With CSK languishing at the bottom of the table and Dhoni’s future under question, this season may signal a transition phase for the once-dominant franchise.
Will Dhoni turn up for CSK in IPL 2026?
MS Dhoni has hinted that IPL 2025 could be his final season, acknowledging the physical toll the game has taken on him. After CSK’s victory over Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens before the tournament’s suspension, Dhoni reflected on the affection he’s received from fans and admitted he’s in the “last phase” of his career. He added that he would assess his body’s ability to endure another season only after the current one concludes.
“A lot of them don’t know when it is going to be my last time, so they want to come and see me play. After this IPL gets over, I have to work hard for another 6-8 months to see if my body can take this pressure,” Dhoni said.
In IPL 2025, Dhoni has contributed 180 runs in 12 matches, maintaining an average of 25.71 and a healthy strike rate of 140.63. Despite his finishing prowess showing glimpses, CSK’s overall campaign has been underwhelming, with the team already eliminated from playoff contention.
The Chennai-based franchise has just two games left in the league phase—against Rajasthan Royals on May 20 and Gujarat Titans on May 25. While the playoffs are out of reach, CSK will be eager to avoid finishing at the bottom of the table—a position they’ve never ended in across IPL history. As speculation about Dhoni’s retirement grows, fans will be watching closely, perhaps for the last time, one of the league’s most iconic players.