Many cricket experts feel that the new Impact Player rule will help Dhoni prolong his career.
While Dhoni has teased the idea of his retirement throughout the season, the 41-year-old also hinted towards it on numerous occasions.
Amid the speculations, many cricket experts have also opined that Dhoni can play for some more years with the advent of the new Impact Player rule in IPL. However, former India opener Virender Sehwag feels otherwise.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Sehwag explained why Impact Player rule doesn't apply to the CSK captain.
"It's not difficult (to play cricket in 40s), if you're fit. MS Dhoni hasn't batted too much this year. He's not aggravating his knee injury. Often, he would come in the last two overs. If I count the total balls he faced, I think he would've faced 40-50 deliveries this season," Sehwag said.
"Impact Player rule doesn't apply on MS Dhoni. Because he's playing only for captaincy. He has to stay in the ground for captaincy. Impact Player rule is for someone who doesn't field but bats, or a bowler who doesn't need to bat. Dhoni has to field 20 overs; if he's not the captain, he won't even play as Impact Player. Then, you will see him as mentor or coach or Director of Cricket," he added.
Recently, CSK’s bowling coach Dwayne Bravo seemingly confirmed that Dhoni would return as a player in the next edition.
“100 percent. Especially, with the Impact Player rule. It will keep prolonging his career,” Bravo told Star Sports.
“He bats really deep. I think the likes of Ajinkya Rahane, (Shivam) Dube... these guys make a huge difference. You don't require much from MS. But he has the ability to keep his calm when the team is under pressure,” Bravo further said.
After CSK qualified for the IPL 2023 final by beating Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 on May 23, Dhoni said he has ample time to take a decision on his IPL career.
"Frankly, it takes a heavy toll. I have been out of home for literally four months. I will always come to CSK. I have been out of home from January, been practicing since March, so we will see," Dhoni said at the post-match presentation.
"January 31 was when I got out of the house, finished my work, and started practicing from 2nd or 3rd of March. It takes a lot, but I have ample time to decide. I have 8-9 months to decide. Why take that headache now. I have ample time to decide. The auction is in December," he added.