Sports

“Dhoni is ageing, reflexes have gone down”: Former India captain criticizes MSD’s poor form and CSK’s IPL 2025 failure

Herald Team

Things are not really going well for MS Dhoni and his team, Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The team recently faced a 6-wicket defeat against Rajasthan Royals, and following the match, former Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth strongly criticized Dhoni’s performance, suggesting that it might be time for him to retire.

This is not the first time Srikkanth has been vocal about this issue. In recent times, he has repeatedly pointed out Dhoni’s poor form and declining impact on the game.

Dhoni's Struggles in IPL 2025

At 43 years old, MS Dhoni is the oldest player in IPL 2025. He continues to play for CSK, but his performance this season has been underwhelming. Fans have expressed disappointment, and CSK’s overall campaign has been dismal. Out of 13 matches, the team has managed to win only 3, losing the remaining 10.

In the recent match against Rajasthan Royals, Dhoni scored just 16 runs off 17 balls, fueling further criticism of his fitness and form.

Kris Srikkanth on MS Dhoni

Reacting to Dhoni’s performance on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said:

“Dhoni is ageing, and you can’t expect too much from him. But you also can’t keep coming back and spoiling the game. If you’re not able to do it anymore, admit it and walk away. That’s a decision only Dhoni can make. If he continues, what role will he play—captain, wicketkeeper, or finisher?”

He further added:

“Honestly, his reflexes have slowed. His knees may be giving up. His fitness, reflex level—everything is clearly on the decline. The bigger issue is that he’s no longer able to replicate his earlier style of play. Spinners are tying him down. There was a time he used to hit them deep into the stands. But now, let’s be honest—he’s struggling.”

(This story is published from a syndicated feed)

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