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Former CSK all-rounder Shane Watson believes that MS Dhoni has a point to prove in IPL 2023 as the wicketkeeper-batter will be tasked to show the world that he can still lead and compete at the highest level despite being 41 years old.
"He can keep playing for as long as he wants. He is still very fit and it looks like he has put in more work in the lead-up to this tournament. He has a big point to prove that you can play and lead incredibly well as a 42 (41)-year-old. He’s the man," Watson told Sportstar.
Former India captain and the poster boy of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), MS Dhoni is gearing up to compete in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The wicketkeeper-batter has been training rigorously and a few videos showcasing Dhoni's power-packed practice sessions have also gone viral on the internet. With Dhoni being 41 years old, fans have been speculating about his future on whether this will be the last time the legendary cricketer plays in the cash-rich tournament.
Dhoni will lead the Yellow Army in IPL 2023. The Men in Yellow endured a horrendous season last year in the cash-rich tournament. The season began with Dhoni passing the leadership baton to Ravindra Jadeja and what ensued was a complete disaster. Jadeja led CSK in the first eight matches of the season and the franchise could only register a win in two of those games. Soon after, Jadeja relinquished captaincy and Dhoni was back at the helm.
The poster boy of CSK couldn't weave his magic as the franchise failed to qualify for the playoffs. The Men in Yellow finished the season in the ninth position on the points table after winning just four out of the 14 matches played.
Watson is confident that the Yellow Army will bounce back in IPL 2023 under the leadership of captain Dhoni and coach Stephen Fleming.
"CSK will definitely bounce back. They always do. They have got too many great players and are led so incredibly well by MS Dhoni and Stephen Fleming. They will absolutely turn it around, there is no doubt in my mind, knowing how they work. Right at the back end of my career, to be able to play with CSK and for us to perform as a team in two of the three years was great. The CSK fans, for sure, are something very special," the former Aussie all-rounder said.
CSK kickstart their campaign against the Gujarat Titans (GT) on March 31, in what will be the first match of the tournament. Their first home game will be against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Monday, April 3.
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