Kolkata Knight Riders' Indian Premier League (IPL) 2012-winning member Manoj Tiwary came down heavily on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni after his unbeaten 26-ball 30 in unsuccesful run chase against Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 5. Tiwary feels that Dhoni should have retired after CSK's IPL 2023 triumph.
"Forgive me if I'm being a little strict here. He should have retired after the 2023 IPL; it was his best time. With all the respect he has earned over the years, fans have not been able to see him in the last two years, and he is getting lost. Look at how the Chennai fans are reacting, coming out on the roads and giving those interviews," he said.
Earlier, Dhoni was criticised for coming to bat at no.9. Amidst criticism around Dhoni's batting position, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming had said that Dhoni cannot bat for 10 overs straight due to his knee issue. Fleming went on to say that Dhoni decides when he can bat. However, Tiwary has questioned Fleming's statement saying it baffles him that the 43-year-old can field for 20 overs but not bat for more than 10 overs.
"He is making the effort. Stephen Fleming also said Dhoni cannot bat more than 10 overs. But I can't understand, when you can field for more than 20 overs, where you have to sit up and down, dive to take catches, make runouts, then you knee doesn't hurt, but when it comes to helping the team win, you talk about 10 overs. All the decisions are being taken around him, but nothing is working for the team. I feel they should take a strong call and make him understand that it's not working and that he should leave," he said.
ALSO READ: Watch: R Ashwin requests KL Rahul to go easy on CSK before IPL 2025 clash against DC
Dhoni far from finishing it off
Against DC, Dhoni walked out to bat in the 11th over when Ravindra Jadeja departed and CSK were 74/5. 110 runs were needed from 52 balls. But the required run rate kept climbing up with Vijay Shankar and Dhoni in the middle. The home fans were disappointed as Dhoni managed to hit just one four and a six each in his sluggish 30-run knock.
CSK's poor run, next clash
CSK lost to DC by 25 runs. They have not been able to chase down a total in excess of 180 since 2018 edition of the IPL. This was their third defeat of the season from four games. Their next match is against Punjab Kings on April 8.