M.S. Dhoni’s retirement from the IPL is drawing near. Many cricket analysts believe that the 43-year-old cricket star is no longer able to finish like before. Dhoni’s batting in the recent match against Delhi Capitals has sparked this discussion again. Dhoni came on the field in the 11th over of Chennai Super Kings’ innings in the match. However, although he scored 30 runs off 26 balls, his batting was never match-winning. Delhi won that match by 25 runs.
After such a performance, many wondered, this was Dhoni’s last IPL. Because Dhoni’s family was also present at the match. Even his parents came to the gallery, which is not often seen. According to many, this family presence may be giving some indication. However, the Chennai Super Kings team is reluctant to give importance to these discussions. Team coach Stephen Fleming said in an interview that Dhoni is still playing great and he does not discuss these retirements.
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He added, “I don’t talk to Dhoni about these things. You (journalists) raise these questions. There is no discussion about these things in our team.” Dhoni is known to the Chennai fans as ‘Thala, ’ which means leader in Tamil. He has led the team to five IPL titles, most recently in 2023. Although he stepped down as captain last year, his influence on the team is still strong.
Experts believe that Dhoni’s body language is now showing signs of stress. Former England women’s cricketer Isa Guha said that Dhoni has always played with a cool head, but in the match against Delhi, he showed frustration. She said, “Dhoni now plays only in the IPL, not anywhere else. So it has become difficult for him to play consistently well.”
However, commentator Harsha Bhogle believes that Dhoni is still the best wicketkeeper in the IPL. Although it is no longer possible to play shots like he used to with the bat. In such a situation, the questions that are being raised about Dhoni’s future are not completely unfounded. Yet Chennai Super Kings and the fans still believe that Dhoni is a strength for them and as long as he plays, he will play for the team.
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