Why does MS Dhoni avoid the commentary box after retirement? The former India captain calls the job “difficult,” admits he isn’t good with stats, and explains why describing the game without targeting players is a real challenge.
MS Dhoni has explained why he stayed away from the commentary box since retiring
New Delhi: Former team India captain MS Dhoni has explained why he has largely stayed away from the commentary box since retiring from international cricket, describing the role as “difficult” and admitting that his discomfort with statistics makes the job even tougher.
While many former cricketers transition seamlessly into commentary after retirement, Dhoni has chosen a different path. Speaking during a YouTube interaction with sports broadcaster Jatin Sapru, the former skipper said commentary demands a delicate balance that he finds challenging.
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According to Dhoni, commentators must constantly walk a fine line between describing the game and inadvertently criticising players on the field. He noted that even unintentional remarks can sound harsh, especially when a team is struggling. For him, the real art of commentary lies in explaining why a team is losing without making individuals feel targeted.
Dhoni candidly admitted that his lack of comfort with numbers is another reason he avoids commentary. He said he does not remember his own career statistics, let alone detailed data about players across eras. While acknowledging that many commentators excel at weaving statistics into their analysis, Dhoni maintained that this is not his strength.
He pointed out that some experts can recall numbers not just about current players but about cricketers from different generations, a skill he deeply respects but does not possess himself.
Despite retiring from international cricket in August 2020, Dhoni continues to remain active in the Indian Premier League. However, off the field, he prefers to keep a low profile. Unlike several former teammates and contemporaries who regularly appear on broadcast panels, Dhoni has consciously chosen to limit his media presence.
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During the interaction, Dhoni also weighed in on the debate surrounding the future of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Asked whether the two stalwarts should play the 2027 ODI World Cup, Dhoni dismissed age as a deciding factor.
He stressed that performance and fitness should remain the only criteria for selection, adding that experienced players are crucial in major tournaments. Dhoni said decisions about continuing should rest with the players themselves, as long as they remain motivated and perform consistently.
Emphasising the value of experience, Dhoni noted that seasoned players bring maturity that cannot be replicated overnight, underlining why age alone should never dictate a cricketer’s future.
