Dhoni’s disastrous decisions dissected as KKR thrash CSK

MS Dhoni’s return as the Chennai Super Kings captain got off on the worst possible note. The game, which ended with a 8-wicket thrashing handed to CSK, was filled with blunders for the hosts. From bowling options to the batting order, the five-time champions made many questionable decisions, drawing flak from experts and fans.

What went wrong for Dhoni’s CSK?

1. Dhoni’s position in the batting order

For the second time in IPL 2025, Dhoni walked out to bat at number 9. After facing flak for doing so in the game against RCB, CSK had made amends by sending in MSD early. However, the mistake was repeat in the game against KKR.

It was baffling to see Dhoni walk out only after CSK had lost seven wickets. The decision made no sense, especially when none of the team’s proper batters had tasted success and yet he opted to walk out to bat only after the likes of Ashwin and Hooda did.

2. Sending Ashwin above Jadeja made no sense

Another tactical blunder committed by Dhoni was the decision to send Ashwin above Jadeja. While Ashwin was playing at his home ground, by no means is he any superior batter compared to the all-rounder. Ashwin ended up wasting 7 deliveries and scored just 1 run before he was sent packing.

3. Why pick Rahul Tripathi?

CSK’s decision to replace injured Gaikwad with an out-of-form Tripathi backfired. After facing a string of failures in the first three games, Tripathi was finally benched. However, he found his way back into the playing XI against KKR.

He had a huge responsibility on his shoulder, playing at the number three position and having to fill in the shoes of Ruturaj. He only managed to score 16 off 22 before he was cleaned up by Narine.

CSK could have easily picked the promising Vansh Bedi in place of Tripathi for the tie against KKR.

4. Not starting with spinners

Looking at the success of KKR’s spinners, it would have been logical for Dhoni to commence the powerplay with Noor Ahmad and Ashwin. The former is the side’s leading wicket-taker in IPL 2025 and is arguably their best weapon. Yet, Dhoni decided to go with Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj. He then turned to Ashwin in the 5th over.

In 6 overs, only one over of spin was bowled. While Kamboj did manage to get rid of de Kock, it was Noor who took a wicket in his very first over. Yet, he was given only two overs in the game.