IPL 2020: I take pity on those who are criticising MS Dhoni, says Syed Kirmani

Former Indian cricketer Syed Kirmani lashed out at the ones, who have been criticising MS Dhoni for his indifferent run in the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL). In the T20 tournament, the 39-year-old Dhoni has strained, both as a captain and batsman. The Jharkhand-born veteran hasn’t been able to take the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) over the line in run-chases.

Moreover, CSK have lost five out of their first seven games in the league stage and are placed seventh in the points table, just above cellar dwellers Kings XI Punjab (KXIP). Backing Dhoni, Kirmani said that cricketers go through highs and lows in their journey over the time period.

“There is a time in the career of every player to escalate, similarly there is also a time to come down. Things change with time, I take pity on those who are criticising Dhoni for his performance,” Kirmani was quoted as saying in The Indian Express.

MS Dhoni is returning to cricket after a long sabbatical, says Kirmani

After the 2019 World Cup, Dhoni went on a sabbatical and the mega even turned out to be his last at the international level. On August 15, he bid adieu to Team India after serving them for 16 years. Dhoni made his return to competitive cricket after 14 months and Kirmani said that the long break has taken a toll on the former’s performance in the ongoing IPL.

“We must not forget that Dhoni had been one of the best finishers of the game at one point of time. He is returning to cricket after a long sabbatical and it has impacted Mahi’s (Dhoni) performance in this IPL season,” he stated.

“At this age people don’t have that much agility left, compared to youngsters. Besides, a player has lots of tension regarding his future endeavours. It’s natural and obvious and we must accept it,” Kirmani added.

In seven games in the ongoing IPL edition, Dhoni has 112 runs at an average and strike-rate of 37.33 and 131.76 respectively. He got an unbeaten 47 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Dubai, but the knock came in a losing cause. The Super Kings will next be up against David Warner’s SRH itself on Tuesday, October 13 in Dubai.