As the IPL 2024 draws to a close, speculation swirls once again around the future of Chennai Super Kings legend MS Dhoni. Fans eagerly await any hint of his plans beyond the current season. Since retiring from international cricket in 2020, the IPL has become the sole platform for fans to witness Dhoni's mastery on the field. Last year's record-tying fifth IPL title win for CSK fueled hope for his continued presence.
This time, however, the question of Dhoni's future remains unanswered. CSK batting coach Michael Hussey has publicly voiced his desire for Dhoni to play ‘another couple of years’, but ultimately, the decision rests solely with the veteran player himself.
He is the only one who will make that call: Hussey on Dhoni's retirement
When asked about Dhoni's IPL future, Hussey, on ESPN's Around the wicket show, said:
“Your guess is as good as mine at this stage.”
“He keeps his cards very, very close to his chest. We are hoping he does keep going. He is still batting so well. He does prepare well - he gets into the camp very early and hits a lot of balls. He has been in good touch all season really. I guess we just got to try to manage him from the body side of things. He had a knee surgery after the last season. So he has been managing that from the initial stage of the tournament. From a personal point of view, I hope he keeps going for another couple of years. But we will just have to wait and see. He is the only one who will make that call. And he likes to sort of build the drama a little bit as well. So I wouldn't expect a decision anytime soon,” Hussey added.
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MS Dhoni's future can't be predicted until he himself drops the news. Such has been Dhoni's style of announcing things. While the iconic wicketkeeper-batter continues to enthrall audiences with his on-field presence in the ongoing IPL 2024, the toll of time and a recent knee surgery can't be overlooked.
Managing the Master
CSK have taken a cautious approach with Dhoni throughout the season, limiting his batting time and even unleashing him at the unorthodox no.8 and sometimes no. 9 position. Dhoni batted at no.9 for the first time in his entire T20 career in the IPL 2024 clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS). This strategy reflects the team's cautious approach towards MS Dhoni, as they don't want to take any risk on someone, who won five titles for the franchise.
Despite his limited batting in the IPL 2024, Dhoni successfully managed to make an impact wit the bat for CSK. In just ten innings, he has managed a commendable 136 runs at a blistering strike rate of 226.66, proving his ability to contribute even with shorter stints at the crease.
However, occasional glimpses of pain are concerning. Dhoni has noticeably struggled with discomfort at times, even limping off the field on some occasions. These moments raise questions about his physical ability to withstand the rigors of the game for much longer.
With the season nearing its end, Dhoni's future in the IPL remains shrouded in mystery. Fans eagerly await any hint about his plans, but for now, the veteran leader remains an enigma, his next move a secret only he holds.
"I know fans probably want to see him batting a little bit higher in the order," Hussey said, "but that [the knee surgery] is why we have had to manage him a little bit and he only comes in at the back end. But there has been no one better in being able to come in and hit the ball so cleanly from ball one than MS. He has been phenomenal," Hussey added.
Dhoni will next be seen in CSK's last league match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on May 18, which will decide their playoff fate.
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