Title: Say you’re not able to do it and walk away: Srikkanth on Dhoni
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a platform for many cricketers to showcase their skills and prove their mettle. Amidst the ongoing edition of the tournament, a former Indian cricketer, Kris Srikkanth, has sparked a debate with his recent comments on MS Dhoni, the captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Srikkanth, a former India opener, has urged Dhoni to retire after the current season, stating that the veteran wicket-keeper batsman is no longer able to replicate his own game.
The comments were made during the CSK vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) match in IPL 2025, where Dhoni’s performance was scrutinized by many. Srikkanth, who played 25 Tests and 17 ODIs for India, believes that Dhoni’s reflexes have declined significantly, and his knees may have given up. “You can’t keep coming and messing it up,” Srikkanth said. “Say you’re not able to do it and walk away. You can’t keep hanging on, it’s not going to help the team.”
Srikkanth’s harsh comments have raised eyebrows, with many fans and experts questioning the necessity of such a statement. However, the former cricketer has a point. Dhoni, who is 40 years old, has been struggling with his form and fitness in recent times. His batting average in the ongoing IPL season is a mere 18.11, which is a far cry from his impressive career average of 50.57.
Moreover, Dhoni’s struggles against spin bowling have been a major concern for CSK. As Srikkanth pointed out, spinners have been tying him down, and he has been unable to replicate his own game. In the match against RR, Dhoni was dismissed by leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who has been a thorn in his side in recent times. Dhoni’s struggles against spin bowling have been a recurring theme in his career, and it’s time for him to admit that he’s no longer the same cricketer he used to be.
It’s not just Srikkanth who has raised concerns about Dhoni’s form. Many experts and fans have also criticized his performance in recent times. Dhoni’s slow batting style has been criticized for not being effective in the modern game, and his inability to rotate the strike has put pressure on the rest of the batting lineup.
However, it’s worth noting that Dhoni has been an outstanding captain for CSK, leading the team to four IPL titles. He has been an inspirational leader and has made some crucial decisions on the field. His ability to read the game and make calculated risks has been unparalleled.
Despite his struggles with the bat, Dhoni has still been able to make an impact on the game. His leadership skills and experience have been invaluable to CSK, and he has been able to motivate his teammates to perform better. However, it’s time for him to admit that his batting days are behind him, and he needs to focus on his leadership role.
In conclusion, Srikkanth’s comments on Dhoni have raised some valid points. While Dhoni has been an outstanding cricketer and captain, it’s time for him to acknowledge his limitations and focus on his leadership role. His struggles with the bat have been a concern for CSK, and it’s time for him to retire and give younger players a chance to showcase their skills.
As Srikkanth said, “You can’t keep coming and messing it up. Say you’re not able to do it and walk away.” It’s time for Dhoni to take a step back and let younger players take the reins. He has been an inspiration to many cricketers, and his legacy will continue to be remembered for years to come.
