Captaincy Changes in CSK and MI – Has It Hurt Their IPL 2025 Campaigns?–>The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has brought a wave of change to two of its most iconic franchises: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI). The legendary captains MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, who led their teams to multiple IPL titles, have stepped down, handing over the reins to new leaders. This shift marks a new era, but it also raises a big question in the minds of fans and cricket pundits alike: “Have these captaincy changes affected the performance of CSK and MI in IPL 2025?”
The Legacy of MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma
Dhoni’s Impact on CSK: A Captain, A Mentor, A Legend
MS Dhoni is synonymous with CSK. Under his leadership, CSK became one of the most consistent and successful teams in IPL history.
| Captain | Titles Won | Win % | Years as Captain |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | 5 | 59.27% | 2008–2023 |
Rohit Sharma’s Era: MI’s Golden Run
Rohit Sharma turned Mumbai Indians into a powerhouse, leading them to five IPL titles and earning a reputation for calm, strategic leadership.
| Captain | Titles Won | Win % | Years as Captain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 5 | 56.67% | 2013–2023 |
Transition in Leadership: Ruturaj Gaikwad and Hardik Pandya
New Faces, New Responsibilities
CSK appointed Ruturaj Gaikwad as their new captain, while Hardik Pandya returned to MI as skipper after a successful stint with Gujarat Titans.
Why CSK Handed Over Captaincy to Ruturaj
Dhoni’s vision was to groom a young leader before his exit. Ruturaj, with a calm demeanor and strong domestic and IPL credentials, fit the bill.
Hardik’s Return to MI and the Rohit-Hardik Captaincy Shift
Hardik’s return sparked debate. Rohit’s demotion, despite being fit and in form, puzzled many fans and insiders.
CSK in IPL 2025: Performance Post-Dhoni
Match-Wise Breakdown of CSK’s 2025 Campaign
CSK started strong but soon struggled with consistency. Injuries, inexperienced leadership, and poor death bowling became major hurdles.
| Match | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | MI | Won |
| 2 | RCB | Lost |
| 3 | RR | Lost |
| 4 | DC | Lost |
| 5 | PBKS | Lost |
Key Areas of Concern
- Inconsistent middle-order
- Ineffective powerplay bowling
- Ruturaj’s tactical inexperience under pressure
MI in IPL 2025: Adapting to Life After Rohit
Controversies Around the Captaincy Change
MI’s decision to replace Rohit with Hardik was met with social media backlash. Even on the field, the energy and cohesion seemed disrupted.
Fan Reactions to Rohit’s Demotion
Rohit’s fans have been vocal, questioning the franchise’s loyalty. Chants of “Rohit Rohit” are still heard in the stands.
Hardik Pandya’s Tactical Decisions Under the Microscope
From questionable bowling changes to inconsistent team selections, Hardik has struggled to find the rhythm MI was once known for.
Are the Ex-Captains Still Influencing the Dressing Room?
Dhoni as a Player, Mentor, or Silent Captain?
Though Dhoni plays the role of a wicketkeeper-batsman, his on-field presence and subtle guidance are still seen during crucial moments.
Rohit Sharma’s On-Field Presence and Support Role
Rohit continues to play, offering advice between overs. However, the lack of official authority may be limiting his impact.
The Emotional Connect Fans Still Hold
Both Dhoni and Rohit are more than players – they’re icons. Their continued presence keeps expectations and comparisons alive.
Statistical Comparison: Pre and Post-Captaincy Change
| Team | 2023 (Last under Old Captain) | 2025 (Current Season) |
|---|---|---|
| CSK | 3rd place, 9 wins | 9th place, 1 win |
| MI | 4th place, 8 wins | 8th place, 1 wins |
Clearly, both teams have slipped in performance.
Reasons Behind Current Performance Dip
- Leadership Instability: Sudden changes disrupted team dynamics
- Fan Pressure: Constant comparisons to Dhoni and Rohit
- Tactical Gaps: New captains still learning game management
- Injuries & Form: Key players struggling or sidelined
What Fans Are Asking: Unanswered Questions
- Did CSK move on from Dhoni too soon?
- Was MI’s call to demote Rohit more corporate than cricketing?
- Are the new captains ready for the big stage?
- Will Dhoni or Rohit make a surprise return as captain?
Looking Ahead: Can CSK and MI Bounce Back?
The Road Ahead in IPL 2025
Both teams have time to regroup, fix combinations, and make a late surge.
Long-Term Leadership Plans
Grooming Ruturaj and Hardik may pay off long-term if given support and clarity.
Grooming Future Leaders the Right Way
Mentorship, structured succession planning, and consistent backing will be key.
Conclusion
The departure of Dhoni and Rohit from leadership roles has certainly impacted CSK and MI in IPL 2025. While the future is full of potential, the present has shown growing pains. Change is never easy, especially when replacing legends, but with time, these transitions could define the next great chapter in IPL history.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Why did CSK change captaincy from Dhoni to Ruturaj?
A: Dhoni wanted to ensure a smooth transition and groom future leadership.
Q2: Is Hardik Pandya the right choice to lead MI?
A: While experienced, the transition has been rocky. Time will tell if it pays off.
Q3: Will Dhoni and Rohit retire after IPL 2025?
A: No official word yet, but speculation is high.
Q4: How are fans reacting to the new leadership in CSK and MI?
A: Mixed reactions – some optimistic, others nostalgic and critical.