'You can't keep coming and messing it up, if you are not able to do it': 1983 World Cup winner blasts MS Dhoni after CSK's flop show in IPL 2025

Former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth suggested that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain to accept his struggles and 'walk away' from the Indian Premier League (IPL) if he feels that he can no longer perform as per the franchise's demands. Srikkanth's ultimatum came after the Chennai-based franchise registered their 10th defeat in the 18th edition of the cash-rich league, and are now on the verge of finishing last for the first time in the history of the tournament.

Apart from a 26-run knock against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) that rewarded him the Player of the Match, skipper Dhoni has struggled throughout the season. In CSK's last clash against RR, MS Dhoni scored 16 off 17 as Chennai failed to capitalise on the strong start and succumbed to a six-wicket loss.

On his YouTube channel, Srikkanth urged Dhoni to "stop messing it up" for CSK and accept the harsh reality. The 1983 World Cup-winning player wants the 43-year-old to take a call on his future amid his fitness struggle, which has significantly impacted his reflexes.

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He said: "Dhoni is also ageing, you can't expect too much from him. But at the same time, you can't keep coming and messing it up, if you are not able to do it, say you're not able to do it and walk away. That's a call Dhoni can only take. Whether he will continue, if he continues, then in what role: captain, wicket keeper or finisher? In all fairness, his reflexes has gone down. His knees might have given up, his fitness, reflex level, everything will obviously come down. And moreover, the top order is flopping."

Srikkanth further reckoned that Dhoni's flop show in the tournament has largely affected Chennai, who were the first team to be eliminated from the race to the playoffs.

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"The problem with CSK today is that Dhoni is not able to replicate his own game. Spinners are tying him down. Once, he used to hit off spinners 10 rows into the stands. In all fairness, he is struggling," Srikkanth added.

CSK becomes the first team to get ruled out of the tournament, the franchise will play their last IPL clash against Gujarat Titans on May 25 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.