MS Dhoni remains to be going robust: CSK coach Fleming brushes off retirement chatter
Chennai Tremendous Kings coach Stephen Fleming stated he was unaware of the rumours surrounding MS Dhoni’s retirement that dominated social media on Saturday, April 5. Talking to the press after CSK suffered their second successive dwelling defeat of the IPL 2025 season, this time to Delhi Capitals, Fleming stated he continues to get pleasure from working with the previous captain, who struggled to seek out fluency throughout CSK’s unsuccessful chase of 204.
Within the lead-up to CSK’s dwelling fixture in opposition to Delhi Capitals, hypothesis was rife that MS Dhoni would announce his retirement after the much-anticipated conflict. The rumours intensified when visuals emerged of Dhoni’s dad and mom watching an IPL match in Chennai for the primary time. His spouse, Sakshi, and daughter, Ziva, have been additionally noticed within the stands, fuelling speak of a potential farewell for the Tremendous Kings’ iconic celebrity.
“I don’t know. I’m simply having fun with working with him nonetheless. He’s nonetheless going robust. I don’t even ask [about his future] lately,” Stephen Fleming stated.
Fleming’s remarks got here hours after CSK appeared to close down the retirement rumours with a humorous meme on social media. Dhoni has regarded a shadow of his former self within the ongoing IPL 2025 season, discovering it tough to persistently clear the ropes. Earlier within the season, Fleming confirmed that Dhoni can be utilised purely as a late-overs finisher.
The chatter round Dhoni’s future gained momentum on Friday after CSK batting coach Michael Hussey hinted that the 43-year-old may captain the aspect if Ruturaj Gaikwad did not get well in time from an elbow damage sustained throughout the match in opposition to Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati final Sunday.
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Nevertheless, Ruturaj Gaikwad was declared match forward of the conflict and led the Tremendous Kings on Saturday.
Nothing appeared to go Chennai Tremendous Kings’ approach as they slumped to a humbling 25-run defeat by the hands of Delhi Capitals. On a two-paced floor, CSK have been sloppy within the area and strange with the ball. Ruturaj’s captaincy drew scrutiny as he opted to not full the complete quota of overs from his spinners—R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Noor Ahmed.
KL Rahul’s composed 77 off 51 deliveries, together with helpful cameos from Axar Patel, Abhishek Porel, and Tristan Stubbs, propelled Delhi to a aggressive whole of 183.
In reply, CSK endured a horror begin, shedding wickets within the powerplay and collapsing to 72 for five by the eleventh over. Dhoni walked out to bat at No. 7, however he was unable to revive the chase. In reality, CSK appeared to desert the pursuit of the goal early, limping to 158 for five of their full quota of 20 overs.
