Kris Srikkanth Urges MS Dhoni to Consider Retirement from IPL
MS Dhoni's Challenges in IPL 2025
Kris Srikkanth, a former Indian cricketer, has openly advised MS Dhoni, the captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), to contemplate stepping down from the tournament if he feels unable to meet the challenges ahead. This advice follows CSK's disappointing performance, marking their tenth loss and leaving them at the bottom of the IPL points table.
Dhoni's standout performance this season was against the Lucknow Super Giants, where he scored 26 runs and earned the Player of the Match title. However, his batting has been inconsistent, with frequent changes in his batting order. His struggles were evident when he managed only 16 runs in a recent match, despite CSK initially appearing to be in control before the Rajasthan Royals turned the game around.
Kris Srikkanth's Call for Dhoni to Reflect
In a recent discussion on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth emphasized that Dhoni must recognize his physical limitations and how they impact the team's performance. He pointed out that Dhoni's agility has diminished, and his reflexes are noticeably slower. With CSK already out of playoff contention, Srikkanth stressed the importance of Dhoni making a difficult yet honest decision regarding his future in the sport.
The Reality of Ageing and Performance
"Dhoni is getting older, and expectations should be realistic. However, he cannot continue to underperform without acknowledging it. It's a decision only Dhoni can make—whether he will continue and in what capacity: as captain, wicketkeeper, or finisher. His reflexes have declined, and his fitness levels are not what they used to be, especially with the top order struggling to perform," Srikkanth remarked.
Dhoni's Inability to Recapture His Form
"Currently, the issue with CSK is that Dhoni is unable to play at his previous level. Spinners are effectively restricting him, whereas he used to hit them effortlessly into the stands. It's clear that he is facing significant challenges," Srikkanth concluded.