The current season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been challenging for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), as the team has lost three out of their four matches. Their latest defeat came against Delhi Capitals (DC), where they faced a 25-run loss. Former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's performance was not up to the mark. Despite his immense experience, Dhoni struggled to accelerate the run rate, scoring 30 off 26 deliveries. This has sparked discussions about his ongoing role in the team.
Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has voiced criticism against Dhoni's current form. Tiwary believes Dhoni should have retired gracefully after winning the IPL title in 2023. According to Tiwary, Dhoni's prolonged career could potentially impact the respect and admiration he has garnered over the years. Dhoni has scored 76 runs in four matches of IPL 2025, with a single dismissal.
In an interview with Cricbuzz, Manoj Tiwary expressed, 'The ideal time for Dhoni to retire was after the 2023 triumph. With each passing game, he's unfortunately losing the illustrious respect he had earned.' Tiwary further pointed out the diminishing trust of fans, especially those in Chennai, who have been ardent supporters through the years. Recent fan reactions post their last game highlight this growing discontent.
Tiwary Criticizes Coach Fleming Too
Tiwary also directed criticism towards Chennai Super Kings' Head Coach Stephen Fleming. Fleming reportedly stated Dhoni couldn't bat beyond 10 overs, a viewpoint Tiwary believes does not serve the team's best interests. Tiwary suggests that proactive measures are essential to prevent these tactics.
He asserts, 'Dhoni continues to push himself, even when Coach Fleming says he can't play past 10 overs. It seems baffling that Dhoni can field the full 20 overs, execute run-outs, yet cite knee pain. The team needs him beyond these self-imposed limits to secure victories.'
Source: aajtak
Manoj Tiwary concluded, 'The decisions in play at the moment do not align with the team's long-term goals. Clear, strong resolutions are necessary. If these strategies are ineffective, it's perhaps time to reconsider their implementation.'
In his career, Manoj Tiwary played 12 One Day Internationals and three T20 matches for India, amassing 287 runs at an average of 26.09, including one century and a half-century. Notably, Tiwary scored an unbeaten 104 against the West Indies. His bowling achievements in ODIs include five wickets, while in T20 Internationals, Tiwary scored 15 runs.
