0, 30, 16, 30* — Batting average 76 because Dhoni remained not out in three of four matches.**
Looking at these innings, it seems someone has taken up the role of a finisher. And yes, that finisher is Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
But Dhoni has taken 55 balls to score 76 runs in this year’s IPL. Chennai Super Kings have chased the target in all four matches so far but have lost three of them. Dhoni’s strike rate (138.18), which dropped at the end of the innings, doesn’t feel like the usual Dhoni. Many believe Chennai is stuck in a cycle of failure.
Has Dhoni Become a ‘Finisher’ Himself?
Dhoni took some time to settle in his last three innings, but by then, the match was out of Chennai’s hands. So, has Dhoni, the finisher, become the ‘finisher’ himself?
Manoj Tiwary’s Opinion on Dhoni’s Retirement
Manoj Tiwary believes Dhoni should have retired after winning the 2023 IPL title. Even at his ‘old’ age, Tiwary feels Dhoni is losing respect for continuing to play competitive cricket like the IPL.
Who is Manoj Tiwary?
Manoj Tiwary, who won the IPL title with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2012, also played alongside Dhoni in the Indian national team and the defunct IPL franchise, Rising Pune Super Giants. Tiwary, now 39, is currently the Minister of State for Youth and Sports in West Bengal.
Tiwary’s Thoughts on Dhoni’s Current Form
Tiwary told Cricbuzz after the Chennai Super Kings’ defeat against the Delhi Capitals, “I think the right time for him to retire was after winning the IPL trophy in 2023. I feel his fame, reputation, and respect have been declining over the past two years.”
Tiwary added that Dhoni’s fans are no longer accepting his lackluster batting, saying, “The fans can’t stand seeing him play like this anymore. He has lost his sparkle. The trust and confidence he built, especially among the Chennai fans, is starting to fade. After yesterday’s match, fans were even giving interviews against him. This shows people no longer have faith in Dhoni.”
Tiwary’s Own Career and Views on Dhoni
Manoj Tiwary retired from professional cricket after playing in the Ranji Trophy last year. His international career ended in 2015. Tiwary has previously blamed Dhoni for his career not progressing with the national team.
Tiwary recalled, “My dream was to play for the country. I played, scored a century, and was named man of the match. But I was dropped in the next match (Dhoni was the captain at that time). I was deprived of the opportunity I deserved. That sadness will remain. If I ever get the chance to speak to Dhoni, I will definitely ask him why I was dropped.”
Chennai Super Kings’ Struggles in IPL 2025
Chennai’s next match in the IPL is against Punjab Kings on Tuesday. Dhoni’s team is currently ranked 9th on the points table with 2 points from 4 matches.