Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has admitted he is “done” with the ongoing debate around MS Dhoni’s IPL future, saying Chennai Super Kings have handled the situation badly. Dhoni, who has been sidelined with a calf problem, has not appeared in a single match for the five-time champions this season, despite training with the squad on multiple occasions. That absence has fuelled speculation about whether the former captain could announce IPL retirement this year, but Manjrekar believes the constant noise surrounding Dhoni has become unnecessary and counterproductive.
Speaking on Sportstar, Manjrekar said he has grown tired of discussing the veteran and that the conversation has reached a point where he no longer wants to engage. He stressed that while Dhoni’s contributions to Indian cricket are always deserving of admiration, the way CSK have managed his current phase has not been handled with the right perspective.
Manjrekar’s comments were blunt: he said he has “nothing left to say” about Dhoni in the context of CSK’s decision-making, adding that it does not matter anymore whether Dhoni plays or not—because, in his view, CSK have dealt with the entire episode differently than they should have. He also argued that the current version of Dhoni is not comparable to the peak impact he once had, and that CSK’s approach has negatively affected the wider environment within the team.
At the same time, Manjrekar reiterated his respect for Dhoni as a player and leader. He said what Dhoni has done for India is something he will carry with him, describing him as one of his favourite captains and among the greatest of all time. In his view, though, the present situation is producing a “shadow” of the player people remember from earlier years.
Manjrekar then framed the argument around team outcomes, suggesting that if Dhoni were in his prime and leading the side, CSK would likely be in the playoffs. Even if Dhoni gets one final appearance or does not, Manjrekar said it is ultimately something fans can enjoy—while he personally prefers to remember Dhoni as he saw him both at the international level and during his earlier CSK years.
Lesson for CSK and the ‘emotional’ debate
Moving beyond his personal take, Manjrekar believes CSK have learned a “harsh lesson” from managing the Dhoni story, insisting the franchise must stop being driven by emotion when selecting their XI. He argued that the correct focus should be on current realities—recent performances, where the team stands in the points table, and what is happening on the field—rather than trying to force a star into the lineup regardless of the match situation.
In his assessment, Manjrekar said that if CSK concentrate too much on fitting Dhoni into the playing group, the key question becomes how he can realistically contribute in the present conditions. He pointed out that it has become increasingly difficult year after year, citing Dhoni’s age and the fact that he does not play any other cricket besides the IPL.
Manjrekar also predicted how Dhoni’s typical involvement may shape matches if he returns—arriving later in the innings, batting lower down the order, and possibly taking on a role in the final over. He said this is more a reflection of Dhoni’s exceptional reputation than a structure that represents the best route to win a game.
