IPL 2025: Kris Srikkanth advices MS Dhoni to walk away, citing age factor

The Chennai Super Kings' underwhelming campaign in IPL 2025 has once again triggered discussion around legendary MS Dhoni’s future in the tournament. With the team languishing at the bottom of the table and failing to qualify for the playoffs for the second consecutive season, former Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth has openly suggested that it might be time for Dhoni to call it quits from his playing career.

CSK, with just three wins in 13 matches, have faced harsh criticism for their poor performances, especially from their senior players. The early loss of captain Ruturaj Gaikwad due to injury added to their woes and with veterans struggling to fill the leadership and performance duties. Srikkanth pointed out at Dhoni’s current form and role in the side. 

“Dhoni is also ageing, you can’t expect too much from him. But at the same time, you can’t keep coming and messing it up. If you are not able to do it, say you’re not able to do it and walk away. That’s a call Dhoni can only take. Whether he will continue, if he continues, then in what role: captain, wicket keeper, or finisher?” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

Dhoni is not able to replicate his own game: Kris Srikkanth 

The former raised concerns about Dhoni’s slow reflexes and physical limitations, believing that age has affected his form and consistency.

“In all fairness, his reflexes have gone down. His knees might have given up, his fitness, reflex level everything will come down. Moreover, the top order is flopping,” Srikkanth added.

Dhoni, who has been battling knee issues for a couple of seasons now, has managed only one notable performance this season, a 26-run cameo against the Lucknow Super Giants, and was out of touch in CSK's recent loss to Rajasthan Royals, scoring just 16 off 17 balls.

“The problem with CSK today is that Dhoni is not able to replicate his own game. Spinners are tying him down. Once, he used to hit off spinners 10 rows into the stands. In all fairness, he is struggling,” Srikkanth concluded.