Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) bowling consultant Eric Simons in the post-match press conference opened up on speculations around MS Dhoni’s retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL). On May 18, CSK were knocked out of the IPL 2024 playoff race after they faced a 27-run defeat at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Dhoni played a cameo and hit a six to start the last over but lost his wicket to Yash Dayal and failed to finish the game.
Dhoni has been struggling with his knee throughout the season. However, he has been destructive in the slog overs. Simons lauded him for his exploits with the bat down the order.
"Anybody who wants to speculate about his future, it's going to be crazy. MS knows what he is going to do. I have seen him hit the ball from the pre-tournament camps to now as well I have seen him hit it for many years. So, he is playing extremely well and he'll make a decision. But he is a fantastic guy to be around. He's an incredible cricketer and individual in terms of his understanding of cricket and life," Simons told the reporters.
The 42-year-old scored 161 runs from 14 games at an average of 53.67. He scores runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 220.55. In CSK’s final league stage clash, he contributed with a 13-ball 25. In the last over, he started with a six off Dayal to hit the ball out of stadium. He was caught at the boundary off the following delivery.
Simons also lauded Dhoni for being a crisis man. He is impressed with the former CSK skipper's understanding of the game and how he helps his teammates.
"There are so many memories of MS Dhoni. The knocks that he plays get you out of trouble. With your backs to the wall when he's at the wicket, you just don't stop believing. He can win it for you and one of the things he brings to the group is incredible self-belief.
"But he has a very simple structure and understanding of the game and that's one of the things that lot of cricketers strive for. He does, and he helps guys with that sort of information and knowledge. It's not to play like MS but understand your game, and that's where MS is tremendous," the 62-year-old added.
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