MS Dhoni Should Retire From IPL If He Can’t Bat, Says Ex-Indian Cricketer
MS Dhoni-led CSK finished at the bottom of the points table.
Former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth has advised MS Dhoni to retire from the Indian Premier League if he is no longer able to meet the expectations of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
The legendary captain, who is now 43, has not been in great form this season, and CSK’s back-to-back failures to reach the playoffs have added pressure.
Srikkanth believes that Dhoni’s age is now affecting his performance. In CSK’s latest match against Rajasthan Royals on May 20, Dhoni managed just 16 runs from 17 balls.
The team went on to lose that game by six wickets. His only standout performance this season was against Lucknow Super Giants, where he won the Player of the Match award.
“His Reflexes Have Slowed Down”
Srikkanth said Dhoni’s reflexes and fitness are not the same anymore.
“Dhoni is getting older, and while it’s understandable that his performance has declined, one can’t continue to struggle and not acknowledge it,” he said. “If he feels he can’t do it anymore, it’s better to retire. The decision lies entirely with Dhoni. He needs to decide whether he will carry on and, if so, in which role – captain, keeper, or finisher.”
The former India opener also observed that Dhoni is struggling against spin bowling — something that used to be his strength earlier in his career.
“He Can’t Hit Spinners Like Before”
“Spinners are managing to contain him. He was once able to hit them with ease, but now he’s clearly struggling,” Srikkanth added.
He also pointed out that CSK’s top-order isn’t performing either, which is adding more pressure on Dhoni during the end overs.
As CSK’s playoff chances for this season are already over, fans and experts are now waiting to see whether Dhoni will continue in IPL 2026 or finally call time on his legendary career.
