Former cricketer and now commentator Suresh Raina has come out in support of MS Dhoni following Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) disappointing run in the ongoing IPL 2025 season. Raina believes that Dhoni had no involvement in the selection of players during the IPL 2025 mega auction. Dhoni, who is currently leading the team, stepped in after Ruturaj Gaikwad was forced out of the tournament due to an elbow injury after just five matches.
Initially, Gaikwad had been named captain for the season, but with his early exit, Dhoni had to take charge. Despite the leadership change, the five-time champions have struggled massively this year. CSK currently sit at the bottom of the points table and have been the poorest performers of the season.
So far, CSK have played nine matches, managing just two wins while losing seven games, leaving them with only four points. In their most recent outing, they suffered a five-wicket defeat at home against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), delivering a lackluster performance with both bat and ball.
Suresh Raina Defends MS Dhoni Amid CSK’s Struggles in IPL 2025
Speaking on Star Sports after Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Friday, April 25, former CSK stalwart Suresh Raina came out in strong support of MS Dhoni, as the team continues to falter in IPL 2025. Raina emphasized that Dhoni was never deeply involved in the auction process and insisted that the current squad build does not reflect Dhoni’s choices.
“They (the management) always consulted MS, I remember that,” Raina said. “But honestly, I was never close to the auction planning. I never had discussions with the management about it. MS would sometimes get a call, maybe to approve a player or a bid, but he was never fully involved. Looking at the way this auction was handled, it’s clear Dhoni could never have conducted it like this. He would simply suggest four or five players he wanted, and that’s it,” added Raina, who featured in 205 IPL matches during his career.
Raina also lauded Dhoni’s commitment and leadership, highlighting the veteran’s determination to keep playing at 43. At the same time, he criticized the rest of the squad for failing to step up and support their captain.
“A 43-year-old captain, who is playing not just for himself but for the fans and the brand, is giving his all. He’s keeping wickets, leading the side, and carrying the team’s burden on his shoulders. But what are the other ten players doing? Players bought for 18 crores, 17 crores, 12 crores – they are not delivering for the captain,” said Raina, who retired from the IPL after the 2021 season.
Notably, CSK’s major buys in the IPL 2025 mega auction included Noor Ahmad (INR 10 crores), Ravichandran Ashwin (INR 9.75 crores), Devon Conway (INR 6.25 crores), Khaleel Ahmed (INR 4.80 crores), Rachin Ravindra (INR 4 crores), Anshul Kamboj, and Rahul Tripathi (INR 3.40 crores each).
However, most of the new recruits have struggled to find form, leading to inconsistent performances with both bat and ball. Dhoni, batting in the lower order, has often been left to salvage innings after repeated failures by the top and middle order.
Looking ahead, the Super Kings will take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their next fixture on Wednesday, April 30. The match, which will be the 49th of IPL 2025, is set to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
