In a surprising turn of events that has stirred cricket fans and experts alike, Ruturaj Gaikwad, the young and talented Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter, has reportedly suggested that Mahendra Singh Dhoni should have retired in 2023. His alleged statement, “It’s not working,” has gone viral and triggered widespread debate across the cricketing world about legacy, transition, and leadership in Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises.
MS Dhoni: The CSK Legend
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, fondly known as “Captain Cool,” is one of the most iconic figures in Indian cricket. Under his leadership, CSK has won multiple IPL titles and earned a reputation for being one of the most consistent and disciplined teams in the tournament’s history. Dhoni’s calm demeanor, tactical intelligence, and ability to lead under pressure have made him a living legend.
Despite retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni has continued to feature in the IPL as CSK’s captain and wicketkeeper-batter. His presence on the field has remained magnetic, attracting fans across generations.
Gaikwad’s Bold Comment Raises Eyebrows
According to reports from team insiders and cricket media outlets, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been seen as a potential successor in CSK, allegedly expressed concerns about Dhoni’s current form and contribution. The comment, “Retirement should’ve been in 2023,” reportedly came after a series of underwhelming performances and internal discussions about team strategy.
While Gaikwad has not publicly confirmed the statement, sources indicate that the conversation may have taken place during a closed-door team meeting or in informal team chats. The quote “It’s not working” is believed to reference the growing sentiment within the team that a transition in leadership may be necessary.
Reactions from Fans and Experts
The cricketing community has been divided in its response:
- Fans of Dhoni have come out strongly in support of the former India captain, defending his impact and suggesting that his leadership and experience outweigh temporary dips in performance.
- Cricket analysts have taken a more nuanced view. While some agree that Dhoni may no longer be in his prime, they stress the importance of his mentoring role, particularly for young players like Gaikwad.
- On social media, hashtags like #DhoniForever, #RespectDhoni, and #GaikwadControversy have trended, highlighting the emotional connect fans have with the CSK skipper.
The Challenge of Transitioning Legends
Leadership transitions in cricket are never easy, especially when it involves legends like Dhoni. The case mirrors similar transitions seen with players like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and even Virat Kohli in different formats.
For CSK, the challenge is twofold:
- Balancing legacy with performance – Dhoni’s legacy is unmatched, but every franchise needs to evolve with changing times and competition.
- Grooming the next leader – Ruturaj Gaikwad, being young, consistent, and composed, has often been seen as a future leader. But stepping into Dhoni’s shoes is a monumental task.
CSK’s 2025 IPL Campaign: Struggles and Shifts
As of the 2025 IPL season, CSK has had an inconsistent run. A few matches have highlighted the team’s aging core and overdependence on Dhoni’s decision-making. Meanwhile, younger players like Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Matheesha Pathirana have shown flashes of brilliance.
The question now is whether the team management, possibly under coach Stephen Fleming, will make bold changes ahead of the next season.
What Lies Ahead for Dhoni?
Despite the controversies, MS Dhoni remains a pivotal part of CSK—both as a player and as a mentor. But conversations around retirement have gained momentum. If Gaikwad’s remarks reflect a broader internal sentiment, it might pressure Dhoni to finally make the tough call.
However, Dhoni is known for choosing his moments carefully. His international retirement was announced via an Instagram post with no prior speculation. If he decides to step down from the IPL, it’s likely to be on his terms.
Possible Scenarios:
- Retires after IPL 2025 with an official farewell match in Chennai, giving fans closure.
- Transitions into a coaching or mentorship role within CSK.
- Plays selective matches or as an impact player while handing over captaincy duties.
Gaikwad’s Career and Responsibility
Ruturaj Gaikwad has been one of the brightest young talents in Indian cricket. A consistent performer in domestic cricket and the IPL, he has also earned a place in India’s T20I squad. However, his recent alleged comments—if true—suggest a shift in his role from just a performer to a vocal team influencer.
If Gaikwad is truly eyeing leadership within CSK, he will need to manage both performance and perception. Public criticism (even indirectly) of a legend like Dhoni can backfire without solid performances and maturity.
The Bigger Picture: IPL and Aging Icons
Dhoni is not the only aging superstar still playing. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and David Warner are all entering the twilight of their careers. The IPL’s structure allows for strategic replacements, but emotional attachments often delay transitions.
CSK’s current dilemma mirrors the broader league-wide issue: how do you evolve while respecting the icons who built the brand?
Conclusion
Whether Ruturaj Gaikwad truly said what is being circulated or not, the Dhoni retirement conversation is not new. But this time, with CSK showing signs of fatigue and younger leaders emerging, the writing may be on the wall. What remains to be seen is how gracefully the team, fans, and Dhoni himself navigate this emotional yet necessary phase of transition.