IPL 2025: Stephen Fleming Mum on Dhoni’s Future, Says Experience Still Key for CSK
As the Chennai Super Kings prepare to bow out of IPL 2025 without a playoff berth, the spotlight has once again turned to the future of their most iconic figure — MS Dhoni. Ahead of CSK’s penultimate league match against Rajasthan Royals in New Delhi, head coach Stephen Fleming was asked about Dhoni’s plans beyond this season. His response was characteristically reserved.
“I don’t know,” Fleming said, maintaining a straight face and quickly moving on to the next question. The cryptic remark added to the growing uncertainty around Dhoni’s future in the league, especially as he leads CSK in what could be his final two appearances.
The 43-year-old Dhoni, who began the season not as captain but later resumed leadership duties after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury, remains a pivotal figure for the franchise. Despite Chennai’s disappointing season—marking the first time CSK have failed to qualify for the playoffs in back-to-back years—fan support for Dhoni has not wavered. Stadiums across India have been packed with spectators eager to catch what may be glimpses of the former India captain’s farewell tour.
Earlier this season, Dhoni addressed retirement speculation with his trademark humour and calm. “It’s a two-month period and after that I need to work hard for another six to eight months and see if the body will be able to take the pressure or not,” he said. “Nothing for me to decide as of now.” His comments, while vague, hinted that a final decision may only come after a thorough off-season evaluation.
Despite the lack of clarity, CSK retained Dhoni as an uncapped player for ₹4 crore ahead of the 2025–27 IPL cycle. The management’s decision underlined their continued faith in his leadership, even as the team begins looking toward the future.
Fleming, meanwhile, has praised the impact of young players in a challenging season. CSK, currently languishing at the bottom of the table, made several mid-season replacement signings, including Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, and Urvil Patel. These youngsters have shown promise with the bat, while spinner Noor Ahmed has offered consistency with the ball.
“They have certainly had an impact, which is a positive from a season that has been a challenge,” said Fleming. “We realised early on that we were off the pace. So, to be able to introduce these players—who are definitely in line for the future—as we regenerate the team and redevelop or reconfirm our philosophy of how we want to play, has been valuable.”
The veteran coach, however, remains a staunch believer in the importance of experience. “My point has always been about having a mixture of youth and experience. I am a fan of experience—experience wins tournaments. But the youth and talent in this country is something you can’t ignore,” he added.
CSK will take on Rajasthan Royals in New Delhi on Tuesday before wrapping up their IPL 2025 campaign against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on May 25. Whether these will be Dhoni’s final matches remains a mystery—one that even his closest aides, like Fleming, seem reluctant to unravel just yet.
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