What’s wrong with Mahi?

The stunt, performed for a motorbike commercial by Dhoni, has left many asking if the cricketer should’ve taken the risk?

Days after the BCCI barred the Indian cricket team from participating in an adventure TV reality show, citing ‘safety’ reasons ahead of the Asia Cup, skipper MS Dhoni’s stunt with 10 boys on a motorbike in Jaipur, widely reported in the media, has come under severe criticism. The stunt, performed for a motorbike commercial on Monday, has left many asking if the cricketer should’ve taken the risk?

“Dhoni is indispensable to the team, how can he take such a risk?” asks former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu. “He should keep the team’s interest before his own.” Former cricketer Atul Wassan dubs it as “just unnecessary”. “Ironically, players weren’t allowed to go for the reality show to avoid such stunts,” says Wassan.

Mahi’s fans aren’t amused either. “What’s wrong with Dhoni? An injury can jeopardise his career,” says entrepreneur Hardeep Singh. “The timing of the shoot (just five days before Asia Cup) is ridiculous,” says student Rahul Barolia.

But former all-rounder Ajay Jadeja isn’t willing to read too much into it. “He (Dhoni) is responsible enough, and everyone is free to anything unless he’s breaking a rule,” says the former cricketer.