Chennai Super Kings’ captain MS Dhoni (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming finally addressed the elephant in the room, MS Dhoni’s IPL future, but gave little away. “I don’t know,” said Fleming during the pre-match press conference at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday, leaving fans and pundits guessing about whether the 43-year-old legendary captain has played his final IPL season.As Chennai Super Kings prepare to face Rajasthan Royals in their final match of the IPL 2025 season, the focus has shifted from results to rebuilding. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!It’s been a season to forget for the five-time champions, marred by inconsistency and underwhelming performances across departments. However, amid the disappointment, silver linings have emerged: none brighter than 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre. The young opener’s fearless approach and ability to score quickly in the powerplay have given CSK hope for the future.With Mhatre, along with Dewald Brevis, Urvil Patel, and Shaik Rasheed stepping up, CSK are beginning to look ahead, possibly to a post-Dhoni era, one still not officially confirmed yet. The match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, a neutral venue per the revised schedule, gives these youngsters one more chance to stake their claim.On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals are limping toward the finish line. Despite boasting talent like Yashasvi Jaiswal and promising youngster Vaibhav Suryavanshi, RR’s campaign has collapsed under poor decisions, particularly in last year’s auction. Letting go of Jos Buttler and banking heavily on unproven Indian talent, combined with the lack of a frontline Indian bowler or a dependable all-rounder, has cost them dearly.

With only one win while chasing in nine attempts, Rajasthan’s failure to finish games has become their defining trait this season. Both teams may be out of contention, but for CSK, the focus is firmly on what lies ahead, with or without MS Dhoni.