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For nearly two decades, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have lived with a simple and comforting truth. No matter how messy things got on the field, MS Dhoni was always there to fix it.
His presence alone brought calm, clarity and control to a side that built its identity around consistency. Now that comfort is gone.
As CSK prepare to face Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 30, they enter unfamiliar territory. Dhoni has been ruled out for the opening phase due to a calf strain, and for once, this team will have to manage without its biggest pillar.
It feels like the beginning of a proper test for a side that has always leaned on one man in crunch moments.
Leadership test without MS Dhoni
Ruturaj Gaikwad has been leading the team for a while now, but the truth is Dhoni’s influence never really left. Whether it was a quick field adjustment or a quiet word to a bowler, he was always involved in the decision making.
And if you look at CSK’s recent history, that has not always gone well when Dhoni steps away from the center of things.
- 2022 season: Ravindra Jadeja was handed the captaincy. CSK struggled badly, losing six of their first eight matches. The pressure built quickly and Dhoni had to take charge again, but the damage was already done as they finished 9th.
- 2024 season: Gaikwad’s first full season as captain. CSK had their moments but lacked consistency, especially in tight games. They ended up finishing 5th and missed the playoffs on net run rate.
- 2025 season: It got even worse. CSK finished at the bottom of the table, winning only four matches all season. It was their lowest finish in IPL history.
These numbers paint a clear picture. Without Dhoni actively leading from the front, CSK have struggled to maintain their usual standards.
On field impact and tactical gap
A lot of it really comes down to MS Dhoni being there. He is easily one of the most successful captains the game has seen, but what he brings is not just captaincy on paper.
With five IPL titles he is joint highest with Rohit Sharma, but it’s more about how he goes about it. The calm decisions and reading the batter before things even happen. Those little things have given CSK an edge so many times, especially in tight games.
And it’s not just about leadership.
With the bat as well, Dhoni has been just as important over the years. More than 5400 runs in the IPL, and most of those came in situations where the game was on the line.
We have seen it many times. Games that looked lost and CSK still found a way to win. That finishing ability in pressure moments is not easy to replace.
A new look and fresh roles
Sanju Samson will now be seen in CSK colours after a major trade. He has been the face of Rajasthan Royals for years, so this shift feels significant. He is expected to take over wicketkeeping duties as well, stepping into a role that has been synonymous with Dhoni for so long.
On the other side, Ravindra Jadeja will now represent Rajasthan Royals again. It is a return of sorts to the franchise where he started his IPL journey.
These changes mean both teams are adjusting, but the spotlight remains firmly on CSK and how they cope without their main figure.
