'MS Dhoni is not the problem' - Robin Uthappa defends CSK star despite abysmal start in IPL 2025

The legendary MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) performance has come under scrutiny in the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Men in Yellow have lost four of their first five matches. Meanwhile, the lack of intent from Dhoni has also been questioned by experts like Navjot Singh Sidhu, among others.

The former India skipper has scored 103 runs from five innings at an average of 51.50 and a strike rate of 153.74. However, he hasn't been able to provide the finishing masterclass that the cricket fraternity expects from him. The 43-year-old played an unbeaten knock of 30 off 26 balls when CSK were chasing a 184-run target against Delhi Capitals. The five-time champions lost the match by 25 runs. Experts and fans felt that the wicketkeeper-batter could have gone for the big hits much earlier in the innings.

Dhoni's batting position has also been a major point of discussion. He batted at No. 8 in one game and No. 9 in another. Cricket enthusiasts felt that he needed to promote himself up the order. In CSK's last game against Punjab Kings on Tuesday, April 8, Dhoni came out to bat at No. 5. However, he still couldn't take his team over the line.

Also Read: How is MS Dhoni’s IPL decline similar to Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility?

Former India and CSK cricketer Robin Uthappa, however, feels that Dhoni's performance isn't the problem for the franchise. Uthappa said that Dhoni had distributed his responsibilities to individuals to help with the team's transition.

"I don't think there was ever a lack of intent from MS Dhoni. Even outside the IPL, I believe he has passed on responsibility to others and given them a clear understanding of what to expect in the coming years as CSK rebuilds into a championship-contending side. That transition is happening, and while we would love to see MS bat the way he is right now, perhaps a little higher up the order, I don't think the problem lies at the end," Robin Uthappa said on JioHotstar.