‘Not my role to comment’ – CSK coach Stephen Fleming on Dhoni’s retirement rumors

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered their third consecutive defeat against Delhi Capitals (DC) at their home ground, Chepauk, on April 5 in Match 17 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. With this loss, CSK slipped to the 8th position on the points table with just 2 points, while DC climbed to the top with 6 points.

During the post-match press conference, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming was asked about MS Dhoni’s potential retirement, following rumours that the wicketkeeper’s parents were present at the stadium to watch him play possibly for the last time. However, the former New Zealand cricketer clarified that it was not his place to comment on such matters. He added that he enjoys working with the Indian legend and refrained from any speculation.

“No, that’s not my role to put an end to it. I have no idea. I’m just enjoying working with him still. He’s still going strong. I don’t even ask these days. You are the ones who ask,” Fleming said in the press conference.
However, the 43-year-old scored 30 off 26 balls and, along with Vijay Shankar, stitched a partnership of 84 runs. Despite their efforts, the stand was not enough to take the team across the finishing line.

Also read: ‘I have injured my finger’ – DC captain Axar Patel reveals why he didn’t bowl early against CSK

Gaikwad urges team to step up

CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad admitted that the team was always behind after the powerplay and could not recover, with only one batter left. The top-order batter felt DC bowled well and used the conditions smartly. The right-handed added that recent games have not gone their way despite efforts to improve, pointing to issues with losing too many wickets.

“Since powerplay we were always playing the catch up game. We were too far behind and we only had one batter left. DC bowled really well and used the conditions really well. Even when Shivam Dube was batting we were looking for momentum, but it just didn’t happen.

“Since the last few games, it’s not going our way. We are trying to improve, trying our best, but not going our way. Definitely lost too many wickets. It’s a major concern even in the bowling department. We are giving away 15-20 runs extra or losing too many wickets. We are trying, but it’s just not happening,” said CSK skipper in the post-match press conference.

Gaikwad felt the bowlers were being slightly too cautious during the powerplay and stressed the need for a more positive approach with the bat. He mentioned that the team seemed to be on the back foot rather than proactive, and emphasized that everyone must come together.

“I just think that we are slightly over concerned or tentative, whoever is bowling in the powerplay. And with the bat obviously you don’t want to lose an extra wicket, but it’s just about being positive. I think it’s about being on the back foot and not being on the toes. Everyone needs to come together to make things happen. We need to make things happen,” he added.