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"Retirement Should've Come In 2023": Manoj Tiwary's Brutal Dig At MS Dhoni Amid Slump

Soumyajit Dutta

Manoj Tiwary and MS Dhoni [Source: @m_shashank_18/X]Manoj Tiwary and MS Dhoni [Source: @m_shashank_18/X]

Chennai Super Kings’ dismal start to IPL 2025, marked by three consecutive losses, has reignited debates over MS Dhoni’s prolonged career, with former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary urging the legendary skipper to retire after his 2023 title triumph. 

Dhoni, despite contributing 76 runs in four matches, faces scrutiny for his batting position and waning impact with a fizzled strike rate, notably during CSK’s failed chase against Delhi Capitals where he walked in at No. 7 with 110 needed off 56 balls.

Manoj Tiwary's Brutal take On MS Dhoni's Struggles

Tiwary argues that Dhoni’s legacy is being tarnished by his extended stay, citing fan disillusionment and tactical missteps. The criticism follows Chennai’s supporters publicly expressing frustration after recent defeats, a stark contrast to the adulation MS Dhoni once commanded.

“I think the right time for him to retire was in 2023, when he won the IPL trophy. He should have retired then. Somewhere, I feel that all the fame, name, and respect he earned from cricket, it’s kind of slipping away in the last two years with the way he’s been playing,” Tiwary stated.

Tiwary emphasised the emotional toll on fans who are supporting the Chennai franchise and Dhoni. 

“Fans are unable to bear watching him like this and he’s losing that spark. The trust he built in fans over the years, especially in the hearts of Chennai fans, after the last match, the way fans came out on the roads and gave interviews against him, it should have been a sign that it’s not working anymore.”

Tiwary Slams CSK’s “Contradictory” Fitness Logic

The former batter questioned coach Stephen Fleming’s explanation about Dhoni’s physical limitations too.

“They’re still trying and even Stephen Fleming said he can’t run for more than 10 overs. But what I don’t understand is, if you can field for 20 overs, keep wickets, where you have to get up, squat, dive sideways, if you can pull off run-outs, then your knees don’t hurt.”

Tiwary accused the management of prioritising sentiment over performance. “The decisions are not being made in the best interest of the franchise.”

While Dhoni’s fitness and wicketkeeping remain sharp, his batting impact in crunch situations has dwindled, fuelling calls for CSK to groom successors. As Chennai’s playoff hopes hang by a thread, the franchise faces a delicate balance between honouring an icon and embracing transition.