IPL 2025: Heated Debate Erupts On Live TV Between Suresh Raina & Aakash Chopra Over MS Dhoni After CSK’s Exit; Video

MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have wrapped up a forgettable IPL 2025 season, finishing at the bottom of the table for the first time since the league expanded to 10 teams. The five-time champions, known for their consistency and strong leadership under Dhoni, struggled throughout the season, managing just four wins in 14 games.

The biggest talking point post-CSK’s exit wasn’t just their form, but also Dhoni’s fitness and future in the game. On a live television discussion after the final match, former India teammates Suresh Raina and Aakash Chopra engaged in a fiery exchange over Dhoni’s performance and place in the side. RP Singh, another close associate of Dhoni, found himself stuck in the middle and was eventually forced to take a stand.

Debate between Suresh Raina & Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra: "If MS Dhoni wasn't an uncapped Indian, would he have been a part of the CSK team this year?"

Suresh Raina: "Absolutely, he has been with the team for 18 years. Even now, he hits the most sixes."

Aakash Chopra: "The point is, why is he batting at No. 7, No. 8 or No. 9? Your team isn't batting well, the problems are coming from the top order. Should such a big player bat higher up? Why the reluctance? Is he even fit or not?"

Suresh Raina: "He feels he is more comfortable in the final four overs. He is fit, keeping wickets at the age of 44. He did an interview in the middle, saying a team for the World Cup (T20) is being made, hence he wants to give others like Shivam Dube more chances."

RP Singh: "After a knee surgery, he is bound to take time. Every player does. He has been keeping for 20 years, manages himself. Raina also had a knee operation done. He managed himself for some time and eventually recovered."

What’s next for MS Dhoni?

Dhoni has not made a definitive announcement about his retirement. However, this year saw a significant shift, with former legends like Sanjay Bangar and Adam Gilchrist publicly suggesting it might be time for Dhoni to hang up his boots a notable departure from previous years when his retirement was deemed a personal choice.

For now, Dhoni has left the door slightly ajar. Speaking after the final match, he mentioned that he will take a few months to assess his body and mindset before deciding on IPL 2026. As the curtain falls on CSK’s dismal IPL 2025 campaign, the focus shifts sharply to MS Dhoni’s future a subject that has now moved beyond sentimental farewells into a realm of hard questions and divided opinions.