India, May 19 -- Nostalgia hung heavy in the humid air of Chennai as the sea of yellow rose for MS Dhoni, chanting his name with a passion that seemed to acknowledge that time is slipping away for the Chennai Super Kings talisman. Walking out for the mandatory team photograph during the innings break, Dhoni smiled, acknowledging the crowd with the ease of a man who has occupied this stage for nearly two decades.

Dhoni hasn't retired. Officially, there is no ending yet. But for CSK, it already feels like the beginning of life after him. And it hasn't been a happy start.

That is the uncomfortable truth surrounding CSK's season. Although Dhoni is technically still in the squad, this is the team's first campaign without his constant presenc...