Former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull has sparked a fresh debate around Chennai Super Kings captaincy and leadership, with a pointed comment on MS Dhoni. Dhoni, 44, has not taken the field this season as he continues his recovery from a lingering calf problem. Although he was seen training on the eve of CSK’s big-ticket encounter with Mumbai Indians, he did not accompany the side to the Wankhede Stadium.
Doull, speaking on Cricbuzz, argued that the decision is not merely about physical readiness. He suggested Dhoni may be intentionally stepping away from the franchise spotlight, giving the current management room to operate without distractions. “What MS is doing so well is he’s staying away,” Doull said, adding that the former India skipper is keeping his distance from match-day action. “He’s staying away from the ground… trying in his best possible way, from an absolute legend of the game, to make sure that when they get to the ground the team is ruthless.”
On the match itself, Sanju Samson delivered a standout knock, remaining unbeaten on 101 as CSK went on to secure a dominant win. Akeal Hosein then played a decisive role with figures of 4/17, helping Chennai seal a commanding 103-run victory over a Mumbai Indians unit that struggled to get going in the Indian Premier League contest on Thursday.
Samson’s innings came in the context of a tense CSK chase setup, with the wicketkeeper-batter striking 101 off 54 balls, including 10 fours and 8 sixes. His effort carried Chennai to 207/6, putting the pressure firmly back on the visitors.
When Mumbai Indians came out to bat, their innings unraveled early. They were reduced to 11 for three within the first three overs and never managed to rebuild. Mumbai were eventually dismissed for 104 in 19 overs, a result that became their worst defeat margin-wise in IPL history.
Despite Dhoni’s absence, CSK produced a polished all-round display, helped by a vocal home crowd atmosphere that made the venue feel closer to Chepauk than the Wankhede. The Super Kings managed the contest with control from start to finish, turning key moments into a clear advantage.
The collapse was rooted in Mumbai’s continuing struggles during the powerplay. In a campaign already affected by poor returns in the opening overs, they suffered their most damaging start yet, sliding to 29 for three after six overs following an early spell of wickets.
Even though Mumbai still had some recognizable firepower left—Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, the centurion from the previous match—none of them were able to ignite a serious fightback. CSK’s bowlers and fielding kept coming in waves, ensuring the visitors could not recover momentum.
