Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) shocking exit from IPL 2024 has sparked questions about MS Dhoni's future with the team. After a heartbreaking 27-run loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), CSK's title defense came to an abrupt end as they failed to qualify for playoffs. RCB's victory secured them the final playoff spot, joining Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. While Dhoni displayed a valiant effort with a 25-run knock during the chase, it wasn't enough to carry CSK over the finish line. This has led to speculation that the RCB match might be Dhoni's last appearance in the IPL.
Matthew Hayden has his say on MS Dhoni's retirement talks
However, former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden, who shared the field with Dhoni for CSK, offers a different perspective. Hayden believes Dhoni could transition from player to mentor within the Chennai-based franchise. This suggests that even if Dhoni retires from playing, his valuable experience and leadership qualities could still benefit CSK in the future.
"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," said Hayden on Star Sports Cricket Live.
While Hayden envisions MS Dhoni taking on a mentorship role, former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu offers a contrasting view. Rayudu suggests that Dhoni might continue playing for CSK even in the next IPL season.
"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 said.
Adding to the conversation about Dhoni's future, former Australian cricketer expressed his admiration for the veteran player. He fondly referred to Dhoni as the ‘Thala’ (leader) of the CSK, highlighting his significant role within the franchise. Hayden's comments suggest he sees Dhoni's influence extending beyond just playing on the field.
"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," Hayden concluded.
Despite CSK's disappointing IPL 2024 campaign, MS Dhoni displayed flashes of brilliance with the bat. Though batting primarily in the lower middle order throughout the season, Dhoni managed to score a respectable 161 runs in his 14 appearances. Even more impressive were his averages: a healthy 53.67 and a blistering strike rate of 220.55.
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