Dhoni is a force to reckon with in the IPL despite retiring from international cricket in 2020.
Despite being 43 years old, MS Dhoni is still a force to reckon with in the Indian Premier league (IPL). The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) icon has been batting in the lower order for the last couple of IPL seasons.
Considering his big-hitting prowess, it is quite a surprising move. However, Dhoni himself has mentioned two reasons behind the decision.
During the IPL 2023 season, Dhoni was often seen with a strapped left knee while training and later it came to fore that he played the entire season with an injury for which he underwent a surgery once the tournament ended with CSK winning their fifth title.
With his movements restricted, the wicketkeeper-batter wasn’t able to run as quickly in between the wickets and thus demoted himself.
Dhoni continued to bat low down the order in the IPL 2024 as two of his CSK teammates – Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube – were among the contenders for India’s T20 World Cup squad.
“I had a little issue with my knee (during IPL 2023) but last year it was more manageable," Dhoni said on JioHotstar.
“Also, there was selection for the (T20) world cup. If you look at our team Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube were among the contenders. So, you obviously want to give them the chance (to stake their claim)."
“Mera selection nahi hona hai (I am not going to be selected and not competing for a spot). And they were doing the job (well). It’s not like that franchise is getting harmed if you are promoting players. Overall, if everybody is fulfilling their responsibilities and taking the pressure of then why not? So that was the thinking behind. But if they weren’t playing that well then, the thinking changes. If a decision benefits everyone, then why not?" he added.
Chennai Super Kings opened their IPL 2025 campaign with a four-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday (March 23).
Dhoni made his presence felt in the match with his glovework as he stumped MI captain Suryakumar Yadav. Batting at No. 8, he got the opportunity to play only two deliveries during the chase and stayed unbeaten on zero.