Former India cricketer Abhinav Mukund believes that MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja should play one more Indian Premier League (IPL) season for the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Both Jadeja and Dhoni are currently facing a lot of criticism as CSK becomes the first franchise to be ruled out of the IPL 2025 playoffs race.
Mukund, who featured for CSK and RCB believes that when CSK won their title, there was a clarity on Jadeja's batting role as he used to come to bat at number five or six after Dube and there were power-packed players like Ambati Rayudu, sometimes Robin Uthappa. He reckons that Jadeja need a defined role because he is a strength for CSK.
"Ravindra Jadeja used to bat at number five or number six over the past three to four seasons after Shivam Dube and there were many power-packed players Like Ambati Rayudu, sometimes Robin Uthappa and Shivam Dubey's form was also very good when CSK won their last IPL title. There will be a defined role for Ravindra Jadeja because that was the strength for CSK. Earlier, they had a very good role definition and role clarity for Jadeja," Mukund told ESPNcricinfo.
Mukund shuts down all the critics slamming MS Dhoni for his fitness and age, he said that the former India captain is still fit to play and he should consider playing one more season because this is the rebuilding face for CSK and the franchise will need someone experienced like Jadeja and Dhoni.
"Forget about MS Dhoni's age, he is still fit to play and we already witnessed that. I believe MS Dhoni will play one more season because this is the rebuilding phase for Chennai Super Kings. And his role will be that he has very good players of spin, good top-order batters. He can lay foundation for the Chennai Super Kings to score. at least above 200. After they a role and it will very difficult without Dhoni and Jadeja because you every young player. You 11 or 12 players, youngsters only, without a leadership group, it a big problem for CSK. Both Jadeja and Dhoni are very important player but CSK need to give clarity about their roles" Abhinav Mukund added.
CSK has had a forgettable IPL season, The franchise has played 12 matches so far, where they managed to register just three wins. CSK are currently preparing for their upcoming clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR), which will be the second last match for the MS Dhoni-led side.