Sourav Ganguly bashes MS Dhoni for 2019 WC Loss. Credits- AFP
MS Dhoni has been the talk of the town, despite the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain not playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026). With just two more league games to go for CSK, Dhoni has yet to play a game this season.
Ahead of the season, the 44-year-old wicketkeeper sustained a calf injury, which initially ruled him out for the first two weeks but it has only dragged with the course of time.
Although Dhoni has been a mere shadow of his sublime past, his aura and presence makes for it. In the legendary cricketer's absence, the five-time champions struggled to get off the track, but slowly and steadily, CSK have found a way to fly under Ruturaj Gaikwad's captaincy.
Sourav Ganguly criticises MS Dhoni for dropping his six-hitting game
MS Dhoni, who came to the scene in 2004, was known for his brute force and six-hitting prowess. Dhoni, the batter, enjoyed his best under the prolific Sourav Ganguly's leadership.
The Volcanic Vizag knock of 148 against Pakistan and the legendary 183 not out vs Sri Lanka came for MSD with Dada at the helm. However, as he took over India’s captaincy, the Ranchi-born became rather conservative in his batting approach.
While appreciating Dhoni's six-hitting ability, Sourav Ganguly applauded his prodigy. However, the Princess of Bengal also went to mock the second phase of MSD's career, where he used to play conservatively than taking his chances.
Also Read: CSK Qualification Scenario For IPL 2026 Playoffs After Defeat vs LSG
“I have rarely seen a player who hits a six like MS Dhoni. When he came into the Indian team when I was the captain, he used to hit a lot of sixes. After that, I didn’t like MS Dhoni from phase 2. I liked MS Dhoni from phase 1,” Sourav Ganguly said on Raj Shamani's YouTube.
“He used to hit sixes. He used to hit sixes for fun, whenever he picked up the bat. I didn’t like MS Dhoni who later on used to take singles and doubles. Anyway, later on became such a big player, such a big captain for India,” Ganguly added.
When MS Dhoni lost Midas touch in 2019 WC semifinal
Dhoni, who used to win games by taking them deep, but in the twilight of his international career, started to lose his Midas touch, evident in the semifinal clash against New Zealand in the the 2019 World Cup.
After the Men in Blue lost half of its side early on, Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja rescued them, with the all-rounder playing as the aggressor. After Jadeja’s dismissal, the wicketkeeper was in there to finish off the game, but MSD failed to deliver his vintage finisher even when conditions were tailor-made for him.
The former India captain, himself, revealed that the semifinal vs New Zealand broke him, and he decided to retire after that game.
Will MS Dhoni play in IPL 2026?
MS Dhoni officially retired from international cricket in 2020, but he still plays for CSK in the IPL. Retired from the highest level, the former Indian captain only plays in the lucrative and has won two more silverwares since hanging up his Indian boots.
Having said that, the IPL 2026 has been reported to be his Thala’s last dance in the IPL. It would be interesting to watch whether he will get fit in time to play the remaining matches for CSK this season.
Also Read: Akash Singh Responds After Criticism Grows Over Viral Note Celebration
