IPL 2024: “Is he 42? he will play IPL for 2 more years,” Kris Srikkanth in awe of MS Dhoni’s blazing knock vs DC

The former CSK skipper slammed 37* off 16 balls against DC.

Playing his first innings in the ongoing IPL season, former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni entertained the fans with some of his trademark shots against the Delhi Capitals (DC) in Visakhapatnam on Sunday (March 31).

Dhoni, who came out to bat at No. 8 during the 17th over, slammed 37 not out off 16 balls. His knock was studded with 4 fours and 3 sixes.

Dhoni’s knock may have come in the losing cause, but his vintage display left former India skipper Kris Srikkanth in awe.

"I don’t know how to express this. On one side, as a Dhoni fan, I am very happy, in that sense what a knock! At the age of 42, someone is hitting like this, he is hitting them without any worry. Vintage Dhoni! In 2005, he hit an aggressive century against Pakistan in Vizag, he got out for 0 in the first match of his international career. In his second match (fifth), he tore into the Pakistan attack," Srikkanth said while speaking on his YouTube channel.

"He is hitting sixes over point, he is hitting one-handed six into the mid-wicket stands. He is hitting it everywhere. He tore into the Delhi attack. What a knock! Earlier, he used to access the point region for his big shots on the off-side, but that cover drive, that leaning six was brilliant," he added.

According to Srikkanth, Dhoni's knock was a moral victory for CSK and their fans. He went on to claim that Dhoni is still the best Indian wicketkeeper at the moment.

Srikkanth also believes that Dhoni can play IPL for another couple of years despite being 42.

"In all fairness, Delhi bowled well. But, Dhoni’s batting was sensational. Yes, CSK lost. But it was a moral victory for CSK fans because everybody was waiting for an opportunity to see Dhoni bat."

"In terms of keeping, he is still the best Indian keeper. He is still taking catches nonchalantly while standing up to spinners. He is still India’s best. No. 1 is Dhoni, No. 2 is Wriddhiman Saha, they both are still the best in the business. He made it look so easy. He is keeping well, he is batting well, he is running between the wickets well. Is he 42? I think, he will play the IPL for 2 more years, I think," he remarked.

Dhoni and CSK will next be in action against the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on April 5.