As the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) unfolds, the spotlight has once again turned to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) icon MS Dhoni, but this time with a tinge of controversy. Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary has stirred the pot, asserting that Dhoni should have hung up his boots after leading CSK to their fifth IPL title in 2023.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Tiwary argued that the legendary wicketkeeper-batter’s prolonged stint in the league is eroding the monumental respect he earned over his storied career.
Dhoni, now 43, has been a shadow of his former self in IPL 2025, managing just 76 runs across four matches at a strike-rate of 138.18. His latest outing - a painstaking 30 off 26 balls against Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 5 - saw CSK slump to their third consecutive defeat, intensifying scrutiny on his role.
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"Forgive me if I'm being a little strict here. He should have retired after the 2023 IPL; it was his best time. With all the respect he has earned over the years, fans have not been able to see him in the last two years, and he is getting lost. Look at how the Chennai fans are reacting, coming out on the roads and giving those interviews," Tiwary said as quoted on Cricbuzz.
Tiwary’s critique goes beyond Dhoni’s numbers. He questioned the tactical decisions surrounding the CSK stalwart, particularly his batting position. Against Delhi, he walked in with 110 runs needed off 9.2 overs, a chase that saw lack of intent from Dhoni’s end as CSK ultimately fell 25 runs short.
"He is making the effort. Stephen Fleming also said Dhoni cannot bat more than 10 overs. But I can't understand, when you can field for more than 20 overs, where you have to sit up and down, dive to take catches, make runouts, then you knee doesn't hurt, but when it comes to helping the team win, you talk about 10 overs. All the decisions are being taken around him, but nothing is working for the team. I feel they should take a strong call and make him understand that it's not working and that he should leave," Tiwary added.
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Family Presence Fuels MS Dhoni's Retirement Buzz
Adding intrigue to the narrative, Dhoni’s parents, wife Sakshi and daughter Ziva were spotted at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday during the Delhi Capitals match, a rare public appearance that sent social media abuzz with retirement rumors.
Fans speculated that their presence might signal an impending announcement, especially given CSK’s struggles and Dhoni’s underwhelming form.
With a solitary one in four matches, CSK are reeling at the second-last place on the IPL 2025 points table. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side will next face Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 8 in Chandigarh.
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