Fleming's Statement on Dhoni's Retirement After IPL 2023 Win Sparks Debate; Gaikwad Encourages 'Advise MSD to Step Down...'
4 days ago | 5 Views
Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary expressed strong criticism of MS Dhoni on Saturday, suggesting that the Chennai Super Kings icon should have retired following the team's IPL championship victory in 2023. Tiwary's remarks followed another underwhelming performance by Dhoni in the ongoing IPL 2025, leading him to believe that it is time for Chennai's captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, to make a decisive decision regarding the future of the 43-year-old player.
In Saturday's match against the Delhi Capitals, Dhoni batted at No. 7 and managed to score only 30 runs off 26 balls, which included one six and one four. Despite forming an 84-run partnership with Vijay Shankar for the sixth wicket, Chennai ultimately fell short of the target by 25 runs, marking their third defeat in four matches and their second consecutive loss at home this season.
In an interview with Cricbuzz, Tiwary expressed his disappointment at witnessing the decline of Dhoni's legacy over the past two years, asserting that he should have concluded his distinguished IPL career after the 2023 title win.
"Please excuse my frankness, but he should have retired after the 2023 IPL; that was his peak. Given the respect he has garnered over the years, fans have not been able to appreciate him fully in the last two years, and he is fading from view. Just look at the reactions from Chennai fans, taking to the streets and giving interviews," he stated.
'He can field for 20 overs but not bat for 10 overs?
The former Kolkata Knight Riders batsman, who previously played alongside Dhoni in the IPL for the Rising Pune Supergiants, has expressed skepticism regarding Stephen Fleming's recent comments about Dhoni's batting position in the Chennai lineup. The former New Zealand captain indicated that due to Dhoni's ongoing knee issues, for which he underwent surgery in 2023, he is unable to bat for more than 10 overs. Consequently, Chennai has not finalized his batting order. Tiwary questioned how Dhoni can field for the entire 20 overs yet struggle to bat for more than 10. He believes it is time for Chennai to make a decisive move and persuade Dhoni to consider retirement from the game.
"He is putting in the effort. Stephen Fleming mentioned that Dhoni cannot bat for more than 10 overs. However, I find it difficult to comprehend how he can field for over 20 overs—where he must constantly move, dive for catches, and execute runouts—without pain, yet when it comes to contributing to the team's success, he can only manage 10 overs. Decisions are being made around him, but they are not benefiting the team. I think they need to take a firm stance and help him realize that it’s not working and that he should step away," he stated.
Chennai's next match is scheduled against the Punjab Kings on Tuesday, April 8, in Chandigarh.
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