Chennai Super Kings had a brutal IPL 2025 campaign. Knocked out of playoff contention with multiple games to spare -- the five-time champions looked a shadow of their former selves.
But as fans tried to make sense of CSK’s decline, a startling claim has emerged that could reshape how Dhoni’s final season is remembered. The 43-year-old was retained as an uncapped player for ₹4 crore this season -- a move seen as a way to manage his playing time and free up purse.
He played mostly as a lower-order batter and often looked in visible discomfort. But now, a former CSK player has added a layer of shock to that narrative.
What did Anirudha Srikkanth say about MS Dhoni's IPL future?
Former CSK batter Anirudha Srikkanth has claimed on his father Kris Srikkanth's YouTube channel that Dhoni was struggling with serious mobility issues, barely able to walk but chose to play through the pain out of pure loyalty.
"According to the inside information I’m getting, MS Dhoni is actually struggling to walk, even to open doors. His knee is completely gone. He is playing solely because of his love for the franchise and the fans, said Anirudha.
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These revelations come after weeks of subdued performances from Dhoni -- who has an average of 24.50 in this season and rarely batted up the order. Even running between the wickets looked like a struggle for Dhoni.
Fans noticed. Commentators wondered. And now Anirudha’s comments may confirm what many feared -- Dhoni was quietly enduring pain every single day.
CSK will need to regroup fast. With their talisman likely to retire and no clear successor to their legacy -- the rebuild could be steep.
But for now, all eyes will be on whether Dhoni confirms what Anirudha has boldly claimed or if -- once again -- he walks away without a word.