Manjrekar Blames CSK Management for Gaikwad's Form as Dhoni Remains Sidelined With Calf Strain

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has criticised what he described as “sycophancy” surrounding former Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni, while also blaming franchise decision-making for the dip in form of current skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad in the ongoing IPL 2026 season. His remarks have reignited debate around team management, fan culture, and leadership transitions within the league.

Manjrekar, speaking on a podcast, said that Chennai Super Kings’ handling of leadership uncertainty involving Dhoni had negatively impacted Gaikwad’s development as captain. He argued that Gaikwad, who had previously performed strongly as an opening batter, appeared to have lost rhythm after being placed in a complex leadership environment where Dhoni’s role remained unclear.

He further alleged that excessive reverence towards Dhoni among fans and cricket circles has at times distorted objective cricket analysis. Referring to a past incident, Manjrekar recalled that his opinion on a close run-out decision involving Dhoni had triggered backlash from fans, who interpreted his commentary as being biased against the former India captain rather than a neutral cricketing assessment.

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According to Manjrekar, such reactions reflect a broader cultural issue in cricket viewership, where emotional attachment to iconic players can sometimes override fair evaluation of on-field decisions. He suggested that this environment has made it difficult for commentators to provide balanced analysis without facing public criticism.

The former cricketer also raised concerns about Dhoni’s role in the current phase of his career, noting that the veteran wicketkeeper-batter is currently sidelined due to a calf strain and remains unavailable for selection. He questioned the long-term feasibility of Dhoni’s late-order appearances, stating that the format and team balance have evolved beyond short cameo roles.

Chennai Super Kings, one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, are currently undergoing a challenging season, having lost four of their first six matches. With Gaikwad struggling for consistency and the team searching for stability, discussions around leadership structure and team direction have intensified, making Manjrekar’s comments part of a wider debate on the franchise’s future strategy.

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