IPL 2025: “MS Dhoni Isn’t Fully Involved”: Suresh Raina Slams CSK’s Auction Strategy And Poor Performance

April 26, 2025: Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star Suresh Raina has launched a scathing critique of the franchise’s management, holding them responsible for the team’s poor performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Speaking on Star Sports, Raina revealed that contrary to popular belief, captain MS Dhoni was not actively involved in the selection of players during the IPL 2025 mega auction.

“Kashi [CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan] sir has been handling the administration for 30 to 40 years, and Rupa Ma’am is managing all the cricket operations — from buying players to maintaining the core group. But everyone knows the players bought this time weren’t selected properly,” Raina stated.

Addressing the common assumption that Dhoni has the final say on all decisions, Raina clarified, “They always say MS Dhoni makes the final call. But to be honest, I was never a part of any auction discussions even during my playing days. MS might be consulted, but he’s not that involved.”

Raina praised Dhoni’s ongoing commitment at the age of 43, still leading from the front while captaining and wicketkeeping. However, he criticised the rest of the squad for not stepping up, especially those earning massive paychecks. “He’s doing it for the brand, for the fans, and still putting in the effort. But what are the other 10 players doing? Players paid Rs 18 crore, Rs 17 crore, Rs 12 crore — are they delivering results?”

He added, “You need to ask — is this player a match-winner? Can I trust him in the next match? Some have been around for years, but the team keeps making the same mistakes.”

With CSK languishing at the bottom of the IPL table with just two wins in nine games, Raina predicted that Dhoni is likely to have a serious conversation with the team management. “I think MS will sit down, probably alone, and make some decisions. The way he walked off after the last loss — it looked like a man with something on his mind.”

CSK’s next match is against Punjab Kings on April 30 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.