Rumor buzzed around MS Dhoni on Saturday, April 5, during the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) home match against the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. There were cheery talks about Dhoni returning to captaincy or maybe quitting IPL altogether. There has been no official word about CSK’s 25-run loss, but the overall atmosphere seemed heavy-not a very good sign. Recent form of Dhoni and CSK's inconsistency has caused discussions that it is the "beginning of the end." If cricket fans know one thing, it is that Dhoni is the man who defies all expectations. Always difficult to see a legend at the sunset of his days...Most people slip out fast and silently; Dhoni's departure seems to drag on, slow and painful. A recent decline due to knee issues-his timing has gone awry, and going for sharp singles no longer seems instinctive. Stephen Fleming answers the million-dollar question about Dhoni in almost all post-match pressers. Fans keep backing their hero more out of nostalgia than form. But this nostalgia, too, will come to pass. Today, this is where CSK is. Dhoni looks tired; so do the others in the team. Back-to-back losses out in Chepauk have edged them closer to the bottom. Dhoni cannot be singled out; he still does his part; yet the glaring shortcomings around him. He is not the reason for the waning powerplays nor the aging middle order nor the missed opportunities. But in this fast-changing world of the IPL, Dhoni feels more symbolic than strategic. A captain, a finisher, a brand: Dhoni has played many roles. His most current role-the NRR saver-is probably the least exciting of them all. Some aerial shots may get the crowd off their feet, but in reality, they barely influence the match. Also Read | 7 Players Who Could Retire After IPL 2025 Season Others too are guilty, but CSK should have planned well. Moving on, they should realize that dwelling in the past is not the solution. Their inspirations of yore weigh them down now. Things could have been different if the top order of CSK had fired and left it to Dhoni, who would have just turned the games from there on. But high-level cricket will not only ensure an a-la-carte participation. A legacy tarnished at the cost of money, passion, or ego? This is now hard to believe that it is the same person who had led India to a World Cup and CSK to five IPL crowns. Even age-old adulation for fan idols cannot shield them out of criticism for long. What could keep Dhoni going? It's a tough one to tell. Passion? Maybe. One shot at a sixth IPL trophy to better that of Mumbai Indians? Possibly. Last-minute efforts at a proper farewell after a really jaded season in 2024? A betting site went ahead to put odds on whether Dhoni would bat ahead of the match against DC, teasing his coming in at No.9 against RCB. The mockery is growing louder. Fairy tale endings are a rare occurrence for the iconic sportsmen, none more so than Dhoni. The ending to his international career was rather bitter. Ironically, Dhoni, who was famous for exiting at the right time, is now unsure of where the finish line lies. Also Read | IPL 2025: Gujarat Titans defeats Mumbai by 36 runs While CSK has made headlines this season for anything other than cricket, deafening cheers for Dhoni still abound. It is sad that such energy is not directed toward standing up and asking the tough questions. The same "Educated" crowd in Chepauk who once clapped for quality cricket played by anyone and their dog now starts to erupt even when CSK loses a wicket. CSK has faced many lows, but none yet that arise so much conflicting emotion. It is a party at a funeral, with laughter reverberating through a stadium once famous for its cricketing acumen. On the other hand, cash registers are ringing for the broadcasters. Dhoni quipped, "I'll come in a wheelchair." But rating stakes are very serious. Well, even if he goes out on ball one, the cameras are rolling, and the commercials are playing.