Former India batter Kris Srikkanth has strongly criticized Chennai Super Kings after their heavy 89-run defeat against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on May 21. He accused the franchise of confusing fans over the availability of legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni during the IPL 2026 season.
Dhoni did not play a single match for CSK this season. Earlier, reports suggested that he would miss only the first few games because of a calf injury. Later, another thigh injury was reported, which kept him out for the entire tournament.
Srikkanth said the franchise should have clearly informed fans about Dhoni’s situation instead of creating uncertainty before every match.
Srikkanth questions CSK management
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said:
“Before the season started, they said he has got a leg injury and that they are hoping to have him soon. Fleming also sang the same song, Ruturaj Gaikwad also sang the same: ‘He might be ready for the next match’. And then before the match, CSK will have a video of Dhoni training to show the fans and hint he is fit and he might play,”
He further added:
“Then they said, ‘No, no. He is still recovering from the injury’. And then they said he got injured in the thigh. Stop this deception. You should make it clear. If he is not going to play the entire season, fair enough. Fans would have been mentally prepared had you made that clear,”
Srikkanth also felt that captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and coach Stephen Fleming should have been honest from the beginning.
He later claimed that the “Dhoni era is over” and said fans should not be misled anymore. CSK finished IPL 2026 with six wins and eight losses and failed to qualify for the playoffs for the third straight season.
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