"Let him stay...": Ex-RCB player blames MS Dhoni for CSK's struggles

As the debate over MS Dhoni’s retirement explodes across the cricket world, former Indian wicketkeeper Shreevats Goswami has strongly reminded everyone that MSD is no ordinary player.

While many are questioning Dhoni’s place in the Chennai Super Kings XI after his series of poor performances in the ongoing IPL 2025, Goswami has made it clear that calling for the iconic cricketer’s retirement isn’t something any expert or former player can casually do.

Goswami highlighted how IPL isn’t just about numbers, but it’s about emotion, loyalty, and the massive brand that Dhoni still represents despite the heavy backlash for his poor performances as a finisher for the Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing IPL 2025.

It's way beyond our pay grade: Shreevats Goswami on MS Dhoni's retirement talk

Shreevats Goswami stated on his social media handle, “Honestly, I think it's way beyond our pay grade—as experts or ex-cricketers—to comment on or advise Dhoni about retirement. He already stepped away from international cricket back in 2020.

The IPL is more than just cricket—it's also entertainment, economics, and big business for franchises. And let's be real, brand MS Dhoni is still very much alive. Fans adore him not just for his cricketing skills, but for the leader he was and the deep connection he has with people.”

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Meanwhile, Goswami said that CSK isn't struggling only because of MS Dhoni's batting but admitted that his sluggish knocks might be a small reason for that in the ongoing season. He suggested CSK try someone like Shivam Dube, and that might help them.

Shreevats Goswami recalls special moment with MS Dhoni

Goswami recalled a special moment with MS Dhoni during a Vijay Hazare Trophy semi-final. Dhoni’s words about form and confidence stayed with him ever since. He added, “The only time I got to speak to him was when Bengal played Jharkhand in the Vijay Hazare Trophy semi-final.

I clearly remember what he told" me—"Nobody has seen form. It's something within. Sometimes, you can even fake that you're in form with your body language. And it just takes one hit from the middle of the bat to truly feel it again." That line stuck with me forever.”

Goswami mentioned that even today, young players look up to Dhoni for guidance and noted that his presence behind the stumps gives bowlers extra confidence.

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'Players will miss him more than the fans do'

He signed off by saying, “That's why even now, so many young cricketers walk up to him for advice after every match. Players will miss him more than the fans do. Bowlers still feel more confident with him behind the stumps.”

My 2 cents on the whole #Dhoni situation 💛 pic.twitter.com/awTaVOe3kZ

— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) April 6, 2025

Amidst the retirement buzz, Dhoni stressed that he won’t decide about his future right now. After IPL 2025 ends in May, he plans to take the next 10 months to think about what he wants to do next year. Earlier, there were speculations that CSK’s last match against DC was his last IPL game at Chepauk.