'Did you even try to chase?..' - Former India player questions MS Dhoni's approach in run chase against Delhi Capitals

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were handed a disappointing 25-run loss by the Delhi Capitals (DC) in their IPL 2025 encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Needing 184, CSK's batting was as lackluster as the home crowd had feared. Wickets fell in quick succession, and although MS Dhoni attempted to steady the ship, his defensive game raised eyebrows as the asking rate kept climbing out of their reach.

Citing this former India cricketer and commentator, Aakash Chopra did not hesitate to criticize CSK's approach in the chase. In a video on his YouTube channel, Chopra asked if the team truly tried to go for the target after the pressure started mounting. He was displeased, especially with Dhoni, and noted that singles and defensive shots were not enough when the game demanded aggressive strokeplay. His comments concentrated on the lack of intent from a team that is famous for their aggressive style of cricket. Chopra's rant particularly singled out Dhoni's 30 off 26 balls as too conservative for a finisher of his legendary stature. For the cricketer-turned-commentator, the top-order collapse was a concern, but more was expected of Dhoni to turn the game around in a late turnabout. He reminded people that Dhoni's reputation as the "greatest finisher of all time" does come with some expectations, and in this case, the approach left many, including himself, perplexed.

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Did you even try to chase?: Aakash Chopra

Chopra's comment has stirred eyebrows among observers as well as fans. Some agree with him, believing that CSK missed their opportunity by not being so aggressive in the pursuit. They contend that Dhoni, with his huge experience, had the choice of taking more strategic risks to keep scoring and piling pressure on the opposition.

"Chennai, what did you do? When the run chase started, wickets were falling as though it was a joke. I have not seen a more insipid performance than this from you. You probably thought after the 10th over that you didn't want to chase. Did you even try to chase? The required run rate was mounting, and you were defending and taking singles," the former India opener said.

Meanwhile, there are those Dhoni supporters who believe the criticism is not warranted, noting that the platform was already wobbly prior to Dhoni's entry. With wickets falling at frequent intervals, they believe Dhoni had no option other than to play cautiously. Whatever, Chopra's remarks have certainly given fire to the controversy surrounding CSK strategy and Dhoni's role in this season of IPL.