Without a hint of doubt, MS Dhoni finds himself as the most popular cricketer playing in the Indian Premier League. With his mere presence on the field, Dhoni has become a symbol of Chennai Super Kings’ identity in the cash-rich tournament. He was acquired by the franchise in 2008, and since then, he has been associated with the side whenever they have played.
His exemplary captaincy and second-to-none leadership skills have also paved the way for CSK’s five titles in the IPL, a joint record for most trophies in the tournament. Moreover, the 43-year-old is also the highest run-getter for CSK, while also being the wicketkeeper with most dismissals in the marquee tournament. It was assumed that IPL 2024, where Dhoni had a strike-rate of 220.54 in the 11 innings that he played, would be his last season before the cricketer calls it quits. But he just doesn’t seem to be stopping.
Call it public demand or franchise emotion, Dhoni has stretched his IPL career by a couple of seasons maybe and for good, since he continues to be an asset for the team as the main man behind the stumps. But his batting? Well – a knee injury hasn’t allowed the star batter to spend more time in the middle, due to his inability to run briskly as he would do in the past. And since it is a crucial aspect during the middle overs, Dhoni has preferred being a pure slogger, coming in to bat at No. 8 or even lower of late. But there’s an end to every road, right?
So should Dhoni, popularly known as Thala among his devotees, just say goodbye to the game forever? This is a question which only Dhoni himself can answer. But from an outsider’s perspective, it is extremely hard to quantify, even as his batting skills have had their set of limitations in recent times. However, his non-batting contributions to the game, even though intangible, are felt by every ardent cricket fanatics, for the excellence that Dhoni perceives.
Even at such an elder age, Dhoni is undoubtedly among the fastest man behind the stumps. With Thanos’ gauntlet-like gloves, Vision-like sharp eyes, and an unparalleled hand-eye coordination keep dropping the jaws of fan every now and then. He is faster than the blink of an eye to whip the bails off, as soon as the batter steps out of his crease. His DRS acumen, also known as Dhoni Review System, is a fan favourite, and is largely successful as well.
Even though it is Ruturaj Gaikwad, who currently handles the captaincy mantle for CSK, Dhoni is the silent leader, guiding every step of the youngster as the team sees a huge transition phase in its leadership unit. As a result, it becomes necessary that Ruturaj, who has probably started his captaincy schooling with Dhoni, gets graduated with full marks before the Super Kings turn their heads away from their former skipper.
Also Check: MS Dhoni IPL Career, Records & Stats
Conclusion
Ultimately, dropping Dhoni from the CSK side, just to bolster the middle-order, isn’t going to be an unambiguous call at all. If emotions are to be overlooked, Chennai think tank might just mull its head over the matter. But in case, ensuring a smooth transition and that there is an acceptance on both ends, Dhoni more than qualifies to continue being a part of the Yellove Army, which will also allow the league to thorough heights, serving its favourite child to Chepauk for a little longer.
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