MS Dhoni Blasted In Epic Rant By World Cup Winner: "Can't Keep Messing It Up. Walk Away"

By Admin

22 May, 2025

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are staring at one of their worst IPL seasons yet. Their latest defeat to the Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium has almost confirmed a bottom-of-the-table finish—an uncharacteristic outcome for the franchise that once defined IPL dominance. But this downturn has reignited a difficult question for fans and pundits alike: Is it finally time for MS Dhoni to walk away?

One of the strongest voices to weigh in has been that of Krishnamachari Srikkanth, a former India opener and a 1983 World Cup winner. In an explosive rant on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth didn’t mince words about Dhoni’s current form and future in the IPL. “You can’t keep coming and messing it up,” he said pointedly. “If you’re not able to do it, say you’re not able to do it and walk away.”

A Shadow of the Past?

At 43, and soon to turn 44 in July, MS Dhoni may still have the aura, but the on-field results tell a different story. After taking over the CSK captaincy mid-season due to Ruturaj Gaikwad’s elbow injury, Dhoni hasn’t been able to steer the team toward success. CSK has now failed to qualify for the playoffs for a second consecutive year, with Dhoni often appearing clueless at crucial junctures.

Srikkanth highlighted the visible decline in Dhoni’s reflexes and fitness. “His knees might have given up. His reflex levels have dropped. Spinners are tying him down. Once, he used to smash off-spinners into the stands. Now, he’s struggling to rotate the strike,” he observed.

A Moment of Brilliance in a Dull Season

Despite the overall disappointment, Dhoni did manage to script a historic milestone this season—becoming only the fourth Indian batter to hit 350 sixes in T20 cricket. He now joins an elite list that includes Rohit Sharma (542), Virat Kohli (434), and Suryakumar Yadav (368). Globally, the towering Chris Gayle remains the king with an unimaginable 1,056 sixes.

Still, milestones couldn’t save CSK’s campaign—or Dhoni’s reputation—as he walked back to the pavilion in their last game with a modest 16 off 17 balls, falling to a brilliant catch by Tushar Deshpande. His dismissal, coming on the penultimate ball of the first innings, was marked by a wry smile—perhaps a quiet acknowledgment of the inevitable.

The Final Act?

Dhoni’s legacy in Indian cricket and the IPL is untouchable. But as Srikkanth stressed, even legends need to know when to exit. “That’s a call Dhoni can only take,” he admitted. Whether Dhoni returns as a captain, a finisher, a mentor—or not at all—remains to be seen. But the noise is growing louder, and the end may indeed be near.

As CSK braces for a forgettable finish, fans are left torn between nostalgia and realism. One thing’s for certain: the Dhoni era is approaching its final overs.