Former India batting coach requests MS Dhoni to retire from IPL, says the ‘franchise will develop on its own’

New Delhi: Following Chennai Super Kings’ loss to Rajasthan Royals on May 20, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, Sanjay Bangar suggested that MS Dhoni should retire from the Indian Premier League.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered their tenth defeat of the season, failing to chase down a 188-run target set by the tournament’s inaugural champions. MS Dhoni’s unusual 16-run innings off 17 balls, featuring only one six, contributed to the loss. This defeat leaves CSK needing an improbable turnaround to avoid finishing last in the IPL, a position the veteran player has never previously experienced.

MS Dhoni’s IPL 2025 performance has fallen short of expectations. While he impressed last season with his powerful hitting, this year he has scored 196 runs across 13 innings, averaging 24.50 with a strike rate of 135.18.

“It all boils down to MS, but if I was MS, I would say it’s enough. I have played whatever I wanted to play; I have looked after the interest of the franchise as well – if that was the motivation – but you know, you move on,” Bangar said while speaking to ESPNcricinfo.

Bangar reassured the 43-year-old that the Chennai Super Kings’ transition would occur naturally and required no concern.

“By you being there, if you’re thinking that the transition will happen fast, there is never an ideal time. So you might as well have peace with the fact that even if I leave now, the franchise will develop on its own. It may take a year longer, but I am not going to be there for the entire cycle,” the former India batting coach said.

Rajasthan Royals successfully chased down the target in 17.1 overs, losing only four wickets. Chennai Super Kings will conclude their season against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on May 25th.

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