The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), once a dominant force in the Indian Premier League (IPL), face near-certain elimination from the IPL 2025 playoffs. A combination of strategic missteps at the auction, injuries to key players including their captain, and the waning form of icon MS Dhoni has led to a dismal season, leaving the team with little hope of recovery despite theoretical chances for all teams.

With just two wins from nine matches, CSK is staring at a potential last-place finish, a stark contrast to their storied history. Dhoni, the team’s talismanic leader, has signaled a focus on rebuilding for 2026, stating his intent to “secure a strong XI and return stronger.” However, Australian cricket legend Adam Gilchrist believes Dhoni, now 43, should retire from the IPL to pave the way for younger talent.

Speaking on Cricbuzz, Gilchrist expressed admiration but urged Dhoni to step aside: “MS has nothing left to prove. He’s a champion, an icon, but for the team’s future, he may not need to be there next year. I say this with love.”

CSK’s struggles this season follow a trophyless 2024, where they narrowly missed the playoffs despite Dhoni’s return with his trademark long hair and aggressive batting. The 2023 season, where Dhoni led CSK to a record-equaling fifth IPL title against Gujarat Titans in a rain-extended final, would have been an ideal farewell.

Many expected him to retire after matching Mumbai Indians’ championship tally, but Dhoni chose to play on, citing his desire to perform for Chennai fans one more time. “Retirement would be ideal, but I owe it to the fans to play another season,” he said then.

This year, however, Dhoni’s performance has been hampered by persistent knee issues, limiting his mobility and forcing him to bat lower at No. 7 or 9. With only 140 runs this season, his struggles have been evident. Coach Stephen Fleming noted that Dhoni’s knee problems restrict his running, impacting his role. Some fans argue that Dhoni’s prolonged IPL stint risks tarnishing his legacy, a sentiment echoed by Gilchrist, who fears further decline could overshadow his achievements.

As CSK grapples with its worst campaign in years, the debate over Dhoni’s future intensifies. While his leadership remains invaluable, the team’s dismal run and his physical limitations suggest a tough road ahead, leaving fans and analysts divided on whether the beloved ‘Thala’ should return for another season.

As the Indian Premier League 2025 enters its crucial phase, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) face a do-or-die situation in Match 49 against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Chepauk. With just two wins in their nine games, CSK’s playoff hopes are hanging by a thread—so much so that former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has completely written them off.

Punjab opt to bowl as Chennai stare at elimination

In a high-stakes encounter, Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first, likely banking on the spin-friendly conditions of the Chennai pitch. The surface, previously used in the tournament, is notably dry with cracks and no grass cover. Former players Graeme Swann and Aaron Finch highlighted that spinners could dominate as the ball gets older, putting the onus on batters to make the most of the powerplay and early overs.

CSK’s poor form raises serious concerns

CSK, historically one of the most consistent teams in the IPL, has endured a forgettable season so far. With seven defeats from nine matches, the team finds itself near the bottom of the table. Each game from this point is a must-win for the five-time champions, yet the road ahead appears increasingly steep.

The IPL 2025 playoff predictor put CSK’s qualification chances at a marginal 0.24 per cent. However, Harbhajan Singh, speaking on the tournament’s official broadcast, minced no words and stated, “CSK have 0.00 per cent chance of making the playoffs.” Having once donned the yellow jersey himself, the veteran spinner’s assessment speaks volumes about the side’s current struggles.

Punjab Kings in playoff contention

Meanwhile, Punjab Kings continue to push their case for a playoff berth. With five wins from nine games, a victory over CSK tonight could propel them into the top two on the points table. This game, therefore, carries contrasting implications for the two sides—survival for Chennai, and elevation for Punjab.

Dhoni nears T20 landmark

In what could be a rare silver lining for CSK fans, captain MS Dhoni is on the verge of achieving another personal milestone. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter needs just four more sixes to reach the 350-mark in T20s. Among Indians, only Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav have surpassed this landmark. Globally, West Indies legend Chris Gayle continues to lead the six-hitting charts.

As CSK step out under pressure at Chepauk, fans will hope for a Dhoni special and a miracle comeback, even as the odds—and opinions—remain heavily stacked against them.

Indian boxing icon and Olympic medalist Mary Kom has addressed swirling rumours about her personal life, confirming through a legal statement that she and her husband, Karung Onkholer, finalized their divorce on December 20, 2023.

The announcement, issued via her advocate, clarified that the separation was mutual, formalized under Kom Customary Law in the presence of family and clan leaders. The statement also firmly refuted speculation linking Mary Kom romantically to her business associate, Hitesh Choudhary, or to another boxer’s husband, urging media to cease spreading unfounded claims.

The statement read, “Ms. M.C. Mary Kom and Mr. Onkholer Kom are no longer married, having mutually agreed to divorce on December 20, 2023. Rumors of my client’s involvement with Mr. Hitesh Choudhary or any other individual are baseless and must not be propagated.”

Mary Kom shared the statement on social media, emphasizing her request for privacy and condemning intrusive reports. She highlighted that the divorce followed nearly two years of personal challenges, asking fans and media to respect her space during this sensitive period.

“Over the past two years, I have faced significant personal difficulties, particularly with my ex-husband,” the statement noted. “I urge my supporters and the public to grant me the privacy needed to navigate this phase.”

Mary Kom also warned of legal consequences, including defamation and privacy violation claims, against media outlets that continue speculative coverage. A prior press conference in Manipur had addressed these issues, reinforcing her stance.

Mary Kom’s dignified response underscores her resilience amid intense public scrutiny, a challenge often faced by high-profile athletes in India’s evolving media landscape.

Her achievements, including six world championships and an Olympic bronze, have made her a national hero, amplifying interest in her personal life. As she seeks to move forward, her call for respect highlights the need for boundaries in celebrity reporting, a growing concern in digital media. The boxing legend remains focused on her legacy, requesting discretion as she navigates this personal transition.