What’s next for CSK? Dhoni’s post-exit talk with CEO Viswanathan fuels rumours

Just when Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2025 campaign seemed to have hit its lowest point, something off the field reignited speculation among fans.

Following CSK’s loss to Punjab Kings and their subsequent elimination from playoff contention, a moment between two of the franchise’s most recognisable figures, MS Dhoni and CEO Kasi Viswanathan, captured the attention of every camera in the stadium and sparked widespread chatter online.

Csk ceo clapping to dhoni pic.twitter.com/iiIJJaEobJ

— Pappu Plumber (@tappumessi) April 30, 2025

In the video that appeared far more than just a routine dugout chat, Dhoni and Viswanathan were seen standing side by side on the sidelines for several minutes.

With Dhoni’s future in the IPL increasingly uncertain, the exchange only added fuel to the fire. Was the conversation about the team’s underwhelming season? Was it about CSK’s strategic plans going forward? Or perhaps, was it about the question everyone’s asking: “Will Dhoni play IPL 2026?” No one knows for sure, but fans and body language analysts alike are already dissecting the smiles, nods, and eye contact in search of clues.

CSK in IPL 2025: A failed campaign

This season has been a forgettable chapter in CSK`s storied legacy. Their once impenetrable fortress at Chepauk has turned into familiar ground for opposition wins, with only one win from five matches played at home. What began on a positive note, an opening win over arch-rivals Mumbai Indians, has quickly unraveled into a string of underwhelming performances. The first dent in their home dominance came at the hands of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who ended CSK’s long-standing unbeaten home record dating back to 2008. Chasing 197, Chennai stumbled to 146/8, setting the tone for further struggles.

Delhi Capitals were next to exploit the vulnerabilities. A commanding 77-run knock from KL Rahul, supported by stellar spells from Vipraj Nigam and Kuldeep Yadav, saw DC defend 184 comfortably, restricting CSK to 158/5.

The spiral continued with a crushing defeat to the Kolkata Knight Riders. CSK’s batting unit crumbled against spin, managing only 103/9 as Sunil Narine (3/13) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/22) dismantled their lineup. KKR chased the target with ease, sealing the match with 59 balls to spare.

A fourth home loss came against Sunrisers Hyderabad in a match that echoed past heartbreaks from the 2008 and 2012 seasons, both of which ended with CSK falling short in the final. Harshal Patel`s 4/28 derailed CSK’s innings at 154, despite promising efforts from Ayush Mhatre (30) and Dewald Brevis (42). SRH chased the target in 18.4 overs, led by Ishan Kishan (44) and a composed finish from Kamindu Mendis (32*) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (19*).

This article first appeared on Mid Day