MS Dhoni's relationship with Chennai Super Kings may have come under greater scrutiny after Ravindra Jadeja's move to Rajasthan Royals, but the disconnect
between the former captain and the franchise management reportedly dates back several years.
According to CricBlogger, the 2022 captaincy episode involving Jadeja was an early flashpoint in the relationship, with sources claiming Dhoni's wishes were not taken into account when CSK decided to remove Jadeja as captain midway through the season.
MS Dhoni wanted to continue backing Jadeja
Jadeja was appointed CSK captain ahead of the 2022 IPL season, replacing Dhoni.
However, after a difficult start to the campaign, CSK decided to hand the captaincy back to Dhoni.
According to the report, Dhoni was opposed to the decision to remove Jadeja and instead wanted to continue supporting him in the role.
The report claims Dhoni told CSK management that he would guide Jadeja on the field and handle matters on behalf of the team while allowing the all-rounder to remain captain.
CSK management, however, did not accept that proposal.
MS Dhoni reportedly declined to inform Jadeja
Another detail in the report concerns how Jadeja was informed about the decision.
According to sources cited by CricBlogger, CSK management asked Dhoni to personally tell Jadeja that he would be removed as captain.
Dhoni reportedly declined.
The responsibility was subsequently handed to a CSK official, who, according to the report, did not inform Jadeja until days before the captaincy change.
The episode reportedly became one of the early indications that Dhoni and the franchise's management did not always see eye-to-eye on important decisions.
Jadeja and Dhoni reunited with IPL title
The situation did not prevent CSK from enjoying success the following season.
Dhoni returned as captain in 2023, with Jadeja remaining an important member of the team. CSK went on to win the IPL title, with Jadeja producing the decisive finish in the final.
The report also quotes a source describing Dhoni's approach towards players he backed.
"Once Dhoni backed, he didn't have multiple versions. He would stick to his players forever," the source said.
That makes the reported disagreement over Jadeja's captaincy particularly significant, given Dhoni's apparent preference to continue supporting him.
Jadeja's Rajasthan Royals move adds another layer
The latest reported strain emerged after Jadeja's move to Rajasthan Royals as part of the trade involving Sanju Samson.
According to the report, CSK management did not keep Dhoni informed about the move.
That episode has consequently been viewed as another example of the franchise taking an important decision without involving its most prominent figure.
The report suggests that the relationship between Dhoni and CSK management had therefore been changing for some time rather than deteriorating because of one isolated incident.
CSK's approach began moving beyond Dhoni
According to the sources cited in the report, there was also a growing belief within CSK management that the franchise eventually needed to move beyond its dependence on Dhoni.
That meant placing greater emphasis on younger players and making decisions with the team's future in mind.
The shift did not necessarily mean Dhoni stopped being important to CSK. Rather, it reportedly reflected a difference in approach between the franchise's management and a player who had been central to its identity for more than a decade.
What does this mean for MS Dhoni and CSK?
Dhoni remains closely associated with CSK, but the report suggests that his influence over major franchise decisions has gradually diminished.
The Jadeja captaincy episode in 2022, followed years later by the reported lack of consultation over Jadeja's Rajasthan Royals move, points to a broader evolution in the relationship.
For years, Dhoni and CSK were viewed as almost inseparable. The latest report suggests that while that association remains powerful publicly, the decision-making relationship behind it may have become considerably more complicated.
