MS Dhoni may be one of the legends of modern-day cricket but we cannot ignore the essential fact that he has passed his prime and after poor campaign of CSK in the IPL 2025, there are many who are asking the question — Is it time for MS Dhoni to bid farewell to the Indian Premier League?
The former Indian opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth believes the moment has come. Weighing in on Dhoni’s current form and fitness, Srikkanth has voiced serious concerns about the veteran cricketer’s ability to continue performing at the highest level.
MS Dhoni, who turns 44 this July, returned as the CSK captain mid-season following an elbow injury to Ruturaj Gaikwad. However, the change in leadership did little to salvage the campaign, as Chennai Super Kings failed to secure a playoff spot for the second year in a row.
Srikkanth, speaking on his YouTube channel, pointed out a visible decline in Dhoni’s reflexes and fitness, suggesting that age has inevitably caught up with the former India skipper. He emphasised that Dhoni alone must decide whether to continue and, if so, in what capacity — be it as captain, wicketkeeper or lower-order finisher. According to Srikkanth, if Dhoni feels he can no longer contribute meaningfully, he should step aside gracefully.
Srikkanth observed that MS Dhoni’s struggles at the crease are becoming increasingly apparent, with his inability to dominate spin bowlers being particularly noticeable. Once known for launching off-spinners into the stands, Dhoni now appears tied down and less decisive in his strokeplay.
The former selector further lamented the decline of CSK’s top order, noting that their collective failure has compounded the team’s woes. The latest blow came in a disappointing defeat to Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, further dashing any remaining hopes of a late-season turnaround. The team, once celebrated for its consistency and championship pedigree, is now staring at a possible bottom-of-the-table finish.
Despite the gloom surrounding CSK’s campaign, Dhoni did manage to reach a personal milestone. He became only the fourth Indian batter to hit 350 sixes in T20 cricket, joining an elite list that includes Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav. Globally, the record remains in the hands of West Indian powerhouse Chris Gayle, who leads the charts with a staggering 1,056 sixes.
MS Dhoni’s final innings this season came to an end in an almost poetic fashion. Attempting to scoop a low full toss during the final over, he was caught at short fine leg by teammate Tushar Deshpande, who displayed quick reflexes to take a sharp catch.
MS Dhoni departed with a knowing smile and a score of 16 off 17 balls, leaving fans to wonder if they had just witnessed the final chapter of one of the IPL’s most storied careers.
Do you agree with Krishnamachari Srikkanth?
