"No Point Shying Away": MS Dhoni Admits RCB's Dominance Over Struggling CSK
MS Dhoni acknowledges RCB's back-to-back IPL titles and discusses CSK's recent struggles and hopes for a 2027 comeback.
In a candid admission that has sent ripples through the cricketing world, legendary wicketkeeper-batsman and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) icon MS Dhoni has acknowledged the shifting tides of power in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Speaking at a healthcare event in Bengaluru, Dhoni openly praised the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for their recent surge and conceded that his own franchise has faced a significant downturn.
Acknowledging the 'Red and Gold' Era
The contrast between the two franchises has been stark over the last few seasons. While CSK, the five-time champions, have struggled to find their footing, RCB has ascended to the throne. Under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar, RCB has secured back-to-back titles in 2025 and 2026, fueled by dominant all-round performances.
Dhoni, who missed the entire 2026 season due to fitness concerns, did not mince words when comparing the two teams. He emphasized that while "on-paper" strength is often discussed, the reality of the game is decided by performance on the day.
"The last 2 years, we have struggled, and it is a fact. You know, there is no point shying away from the fact that RCB has done really, really well," Dhoni stated.
The Struggle of the Super Kings
The decline of CSK has been a talking point for fans and analysts alike. Despite winning titles in 2021 and 2023, the team has hit rock bottom in recent years, including a dismal last-place finish in 2025. This year, the team managed only an eighth-place finish, showing flashes of brilliance but failing to maintain consistency.
The head-to-head rivalry has also tilted heavily in favor of the Bengaluru side, with RCB winning four of the last five encounters against the Yellow Army. Dhoni reflected on this cycle of success and failure, noting that the true test of a team's character occurs during the low phases.
"That is how life is. You have good times, you have bad times... when we are winning, we knew that there will come a point when we will start losing," he added.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Despite the current slump, the veteran cricketer remains optimistic about the future. Dhoni expressed his hope that CSK can avoid the injury plague that hindered the squad recently and that the players will remain fit throughout the next campaign.
He envisions a competitive return to Bengaluru in 2027, hoping for a high-voltage clash that provides entertainment for the fans. "We are entertainers," Dhoni remarked, highlighting the primary goal of the league.
The Magic of the Bengaluru Venue
Dhoni also took a moment to discuss why the Bengaluru stadium remains a favorite for batsmen. He noted that the venue is a paradise for those looking to clear the boundary, where even mistimed shots often sail for sixes.
However, he pointed out that this creates a unique psychological battle for bowlers. While they are under immense pressure, succeeding at such a high-scoring venue earns a bowler a special kind of respect. He described the atmosphere as a "nice venue overall" where the heat is turned up on both sides, making it an exhilarating experience for the spectators.