Chennai Super Kings’ slim hopes of a turnaround in IPL 2025 took another hit as they fell short by just two runs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Though the team is knocked out of the playoff race, the fans and several cricketers were hopeful that the five-time champions would finish the season on a high. Also READ: Shreyas Iyer Shines, Rishabh Pant Struggles in IPL 2025 With the recent result, the five-time champions slumped to their ninth defeat in eleven matches. While much of the focus has been on team performance, former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist offered a measured take on MS Dhoni’s captaincy during the match. “Tactically, I don't know if a huge difference could have been made. Given going back to Khaleel was risky at the back end because he had gone for somewhat 32 runs in the first two overs. Maybe he could have gone to Kamboj. Given where Noor finished, Jadeja with an extra over of spin is what he could have gone with. It's such a mixed bag. They also bowled 45 dot balls,” Gilchrist said on Cricbuzz. Gilchrist didn’t blame Dhoni outright for the costly 33-run over bowled by Khaleel Ahmed but did suggest that there might have been alternate options, such as using Anshul Kamboj or squeezing in more spin. Also READ: Riyan Parag takes blame after narrow defeat against KKR The Australian legend noted that despite bowling a high number of dot balls, especially in the middle overs. However, against Romario Shepherd, the CSK’s bowling unit struggled to maintain pressure. The West Indian all-rounder's half-century in the latter part of the innings allowed RCB to post a competitive total. “Just a sign of where he is at”: Gilchrist questions Dhoni While Gilchrist refrained from heavily criticising Dhoni’s leadership, he did raise questions about the 43-year-old’s sharpness and energy levels as the veteran edges closer to what many believe could be his final IPL season. “MS...he is never animated or shows any visible signs that he is upset. I just wonder if the energy is still being generated for him internally. Whether the brain is still ticking for him as astutely as it always has, as he edges closer and closer to the end. Be it this year or next year, whatever it is. I don't want to critique his leadership harshly because I feel he has been let down by some bad bowling,” Gilchrist added. Dhoni, who came in to bat in the 17th over, managed to score 12 runs from 8 deliveries and got out in the final over, leaving the team to get 13 runs from the last three deliveries. He departed after missing a low full toss from Yash Dayal that trapped him lbw. Gilchrist, reflecting on that moment, said it was uncharacteristic of Dhoni to miss such deliveries. “Even MS, just a sign of where he is at. Just to miss that one...effectively it was a full toss. He never used to miss those...used to just pick them up,” he observed. CSK will return to action on May 7, where they will face Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens.