Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Ambati Rayudu opened up on speculations around wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni’s retirement. Dhoni’s 13-ball 25 cameo went in vain as CSK could not qualify for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs and lost the game by 27 runs. Rayudu feels that Dhoni may play another season but it depends on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as there are calls to remove the impact player rule.
“I don't think this is his last game. I just don't see him wanting to end on this note. He looked a little frustrated, even when he got out. That’s very unlike MS Dhoni, he just wanted to qualify and finish on a high. But you never know with MS Dhoni, he might come back next year. And with the impact player role as well, it gives him the opportunity to be able to come in those last few overs and truly make that impact. BCCI better not remove the impact player role because we still want to see MS Dhoni play. So, it's up to BCCI now. Do we want to see MS Dhoni play or not,” Rayudu told Star Sports.
Hayden feels it is time to hang the boots
On the other hand, Hayden feels that 'this is it' for Dhoni. He wants the legendary Dhoni to be a part of CSK in an official capacity.
“I think this is it. I do believe that this will be the last time that MS Dhoni will play. Certainly won't be the last time that we see MS Dhoni. I'd be very surprised if he doesn't mentor or be a part of the family of CSK in an official capacity,” Hayden told Star Sports.
Dhoni's former CSK teammate also lauded him for retaining his power-hitting and cricket knowledge as a leader at the five-time IPL-winning franchise.
“Yeah, I suppose the thing is when you come to the end of your career, whether it is the last part of his career or not, what you don't want to see is diminishing returns as an athlete. Firstly, as a leader, he is The Thala of the Chennai Super Kings. This is telling me that nothing here is about becoming anything else other than first place. He's desperately using his brains, all of that cricket knowledge. And of course, the power is there and that's always been MS Dhoni. He's always hit balls at this stage of an innings. At the front, you can understand how players can hit it. But at the back, it's really hard to hit balls,” the 52-year-old added.
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