Veteran cricketer Manoj Tiwary has stirred a debate
around MS Dhoni’s future in the Indian Premier League, saying the
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend should have retired after the team’s 2023
title triumph. His remarks come after another underwhelming performance by
Dhoni in CSK’s recent match against Delhi Capitals, which ended in the
team's third defeat in four games this season.
Tiwary: "It's Time to Take a Strong Call"
In an interview with Cricbuzz, Tiwary said he was
disheartened to see Dhoni’s “legacy fading” over the past two years.
“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,” said the former cricketer.
Dhoni’s Struggle Continues
In Saturday’s match against Delhi Capitals, Dhoni came in at
No. 7 and managed to score 30 not out off 26 balls, including
just one six and a four. He did forge a partnership of 84 runs with Vijay
Shankar, but their effort wasn't enough, as CSK fell 25 runs short
of the target at Chepauk.
Tiwary pointed out that despite Dhoni’s presence on the
field, his impact with the bat has been minimal, urging CSK captain Ruturaj
Gaikwad to step up and address the situation.
Stephen Fleming’s Revelation Questioned
Tiwary also criticized CSK head coach Stephen Fleming,
who had recently stated that Dhoni was still struggling with knee issues
post-surgery, limiting his ability to bat for extended periods.
“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 dive and stay alert, then your knee doesn't hurt—but when it comes
to helping the team with the bat, you talk about a 10-over limit?”
Tiwary concluded by saying that while Dhoni’s contributions
to Indian cricket are beyond question, it might be time for CSK to “convince
him to take a step back” for the greater good of the team.