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Former Indian captain Krishnamachari Srikanth has criticized him. Chennai Super Kings Management on handling of MS DhoniFitness during IPL 2026, accusing the franchise of misleading fans throughout the season. Speaking on his YouTube channel after CSK’s crushing 89-run defeat against Gujarat Titans, Srikanth said the constant uncertainty surrounding DhoniThe availability created false hope among the fans. The former chief selector took the captain by the hands. Rituraj Gaikwadhead coach Stephen Fleming And the veteran wicket-keeper has repeatedly been advised by the support staff that he could be back soon despite missing the entire campaign. “Before the season started, he said he had a leg injury and was hoping to have it soon,” Srikanth said. “Fleming sang the same song, Rituraj Gaikwad sang the same song: ‘He can be ready for the next match’. And then before the match, CSK will have a video of Dhoni training to show the fans that he is fit and can play.” Dhoni was initially ruled out of the tournament due to a calf injury. Although the injury was expected to keep him out for a short time, reports later cited a thigh strain and eventually there were suggestions that he was being rested due to concerns about the balance of the team. Despite the uncertainty, CSK never officially confirmed that Dhoni would miss the entire season. The veteran batsman did not even travel with the squad for the away fixtures and was only seen during CSK’s final home game in Chepauk, where he took part in the traditional lap of honour. Even after that, there were speculations of a comeback. Ironically, after CSK’s last league game, Gaekwad fueled further speculation when he responded to broadcaster Graeme Swann’s question about Dhoni’s future by saying: “You’ll find out next year.” Srikanth believes that the franchise should have been transparent with the supporters from the beginning instead of guessing the fans throughout the campaign. “Then they said, ‘No, no, he’s still recovering from the injury’. And then they said he’s injured in the thigh,” Srikanth said. “Stop this deception. You have to make it clear. If he doesn’t play the whole season, that’s enough. If you made it clear, the fans would be mentally prepared.” The former opener added that instead of openly addressing Dhoni’s status, the management constantly created expectations on a game-by-game basis. “If you ask him on a match-by-match basis, Rutoraj will say ‘the big guys will be available for the next match’. He keeps repeating it. That’s where the management, the captain and Stephen Fleming should have said flatly: ‘He’s not playing this season, he’s not fully fit’.” The fans would have agreed and moved on.” Srikanth also said that CSK fans are ready for life after Dhoni and no longer expect the franchise icon to continue indefinitely. “If you are honest, nobody is missing Dhoni. Nobody is asking about Dhoni in the matches. I think people are asking why he is not in the dressing room, but how many are asking why he is not playing? Dhoni’s era is over. Dhoni is one of the greatest cricketers in the IPL and you have to make it clear why you should be captained?” CSK’s disappointing season ended with the franchise being knocked out of the playoffs for the third year in a row. The five-time champions finished with just 12 points from 14 matches and are set to finish in the bottom four of the standings.
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