MS Dhoni turning into CSK captain will not magically change fortunes, Fleming’s blunt reply

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) need a miraculous turnout to reach the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Playoffs. They have won just one of their first 6 matches and might need to win at least 6 of the 8 remaining games. While it isn’t impossible, given how CSK has played, it looks improbable.

“MS Dhoni hasn’t got a magic wand” – Fleming

One can’t forget that CSK has lost their permanent captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, as well. And while many are rejoicing at MS Dhoni returning as skipper due to tactical prowess, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming is realistic about their chances.

“His (Dhoni’s) influence will always be prominent, but he’s not a soothsayer; he hasn’t got a magic wand. He can’t just rub it over the side; otherwise, he would have brought it out earlier,” Fleming told reporters in Lucknow.

CSK’s issues in IPL 2025

Yes, Dhoni is the greatest ever IPL captain. But his leadership skills alone can’t take CSK to the final four. As of now, CSK don’t have anyone barring Shivam Dube in their middle order. Their pace bowling sans Khaleel Ahmed looks weak. Spin, which has been their strength in the past, doesn’t look great either. Noor Ahmad has virtually kept them in with Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, both struggling.

Dhoni himself was to be powerplay until a few years back. But he can’t close games now. He can’t bat more than a couple of overs. Fleming realises this. He knows they need quite a lot of things to change for the turnaround. It can happen, but to put all the faith in Dhoni doesn’t seem right.

“It’s a case of us working very hard along with MS to turn it around, and certainly in both of our cricketing careers, we’ve been in situations that require a lot of energy, and we’ve got to make sure that the energy is put in the right place,” he added.