MS Dhoni will be back in action on the cricket field when the IPL 2024 starts on March 22 in Chennai. In the first match of the edition, MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings will face Royal Challengers Bangalore. After the IPL 2023 final, this will be the first time that MS Dhoni will be seen in action. After leading the CSK to a record-equalling fifth IPL title, all eyes will be on MS Dhoni to guide his team to a sixth title.
There has been a lot of speculation is the IPL 2024 is going to be Dhoni’s last. Former cricketers, some of whom have played with MS Dhoni, deliberated on Jio Cinema about his future.
Talking about MS Dhoni’s connection with CSK, his long-time former teammate Suresh Raina said: The best thing about MS is that he comes to Chennai one month or three weeks before the IPL. He bats for around two to three hours under humid conditions and does gym training. During this time, there’s a lot of team bonding and I think it’s something magical.”
Anil Kumble on parallels between Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar, said: “I never played with MS in the IPL. When I played with him in the Indian team, he was the first one to lift me up. I guess he was the strongest of the lot to lift a heavyweight. It was a fantastic moment for me. I remember, when I was coach and he was the captain, we were in Ranchi for a one-day game, for an optional practice session, he didn’t need to come as Ranchi is his hometown. But he was there for the session. I said, ‘What are you doing? We still have a couple of days before the next game.’ He said, ‘No, I just want to be around.’ That’s him. Sachin was the same. When I was with Mumbai Indians, Sachin had played around 25 or 26 years of cricket. But on optional days, he’d be the first one to be in the bus. These two guys, I don’t think can take a break. I won’t be surprised if MS continues to play for CSK, because that’s his optional session. He’s so passionate, he wants to be there.”
Robin Uthappa, former CSK player, on what’ll prompt MS Dhoni to retire, said: “CSK would let him play even if he was on a wheelchair! Get off from the wheelchair, bat, and then go back. But I don’t think the batting is the issue for him, I don’t think batting will ever be an issue for him. I think it’s the wicketkeeping. The knees are getting worn out and he loves keeping. So, because he won’t be able to stand there and add value, he’ll probably move on from the game than for any other reason.
Eoin Morgan on when Dhoni might retire, said: “He’s the type of guy that writes his own script. It’s a feeling thing, most likely for him. If his knees are as bad as Robbie eludes, time is probably ticking because he wouldn’t want to outstay the position that he has put the franchise in simply because he’ll always want the franchise to succeed. He’s so generous with his time, with his respect, he’ll want somebody to come in and take over the mantle.”
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