Once the Indian cricket team's greatest 'finisher', Mahendra Singh Dhoni is currently under intense scrutiny after a string of disappointing performances in the current IPL 2025.
The veteran has failed to contribute meaningfully with the bat for Chennai Super Kings in their previous three games, all of which were lost while chasing scores.
Chennai Super Kings started their campaign on a positive note with a four-wicket win over Mumbai Indians. But their momentum soon disappeared, losing back-to-back matches to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals, and Delhi Capitals. These losses have relegated the five-time champions to the ninth spot on the points table.
Even while being sharp and agile behind the stumps, Dhoni's batting performance has significantly dropped. His present strike rate of 138.18 is a far cry from explosive 220.55 clocked last season. He has failed to pace the innings or chip in with regular boundaries, which has triggered fear about his functioning in the middle order.
Talking to IANS exclusively, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif didn't mince words and said that Dhoni should have retired earlier. Having played wicket-keeper himself in the past, Latif stressed that the wicket-keeping job is especially challenging with age.
He should have retired long ago, a wicket-keeper's age is around 35, I am a prime example of this. If I was on television then I am an artist and when I don't do it at the highest level then my credibility will decrease. Even if you have done it for 15 years, the new generations will not be awed," Latif said to IANS.
He further condemned Chennai's allegiance to Dhoni, suggesting that it is at the expense of team performance.
"His performance did not help his team in 2019 (ODI World Cup) either, they should have realized then. If you are picking the team over an individual then it is unfair to the game which is why they are being trolled.".
"I observed 2-3 games and the crowd goes too loud but CSK need points currently, they are on the last spot of the table and if the cause is only one or two players then you must understand the need of the hour."
On the other hand, when asked whether Dhoni could retire after losing to Delhi Capitals, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming refused to comment, ensuring that he had no part to play in such a decision.
No, that's not my job to stop it. I don't know. I'm just enjoying working with him still. He's still going strong. I don't even ask anymore. You are the ones who ask," Fleming said in the post-match press conference.
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