In IPL 2022, cricket fans have been experiencing MS Dhoni in a brand-new avatar. He has regained his batting mojo since relinquishing captaincy of Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Dhoni scored an unbeaten half-century in the season opener against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 26 to save his team following a top-order collapse. In the next game, he began with a six on the first ball and went on to score 16* runs off six deliveries.

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes it is premature to write off Dhoni, claiming that he is one of the finest in the game. He said that the renowned wicketkeeper-batter had already demonstrated his worth.

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“Dhoni is not finished, he is a finisher. People have said his time is over and this could be his last IPL, but look at how he has batted, remaining not-out in both innings. This year we might see the Dhoni that we knew who used to start hitting boundaries from ball one,” Kaif told Sportskeeda.

“He has left the captaincy on paper and there may not be under much pressure. So, we might see the free-flowing Dhoni who used to hit the ball out of the stadium. The conditions are good, Maharashtra has good wickets and he will get pace and the way he hit that first ball six, shows that he is in good form,” he added.

When asked if IPL 2022 will be Dhoni's final season, Kaif said it's too early to say because no one knows what's going on inside the ex-CSK captain's mind.

“You will never be able to know what is going on in Dhoni’s mind. If we talk about this IPL, there is a game after two days but Dhoni suddenly decides that Jadeja will be the captain. He is still fit and is scoring runs so it shouldn’t be a problem,” Kaif said.

The defending champions are preparing for their next match on Sunday when they will face Punjab Kings.