As we head towards the business end of IPL 2022, Indian cricket fans could not help pondering whether MS Dhoni would play the next year or not. Dhoni, however, confirmed before the commencement of the 68th match between the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Rajasthan Royals (RR) that he would be returning in the yellow jersey for the 16th season of the Indian Premier League.

He went on to add that if things go right, he would be able to thank his fans across the country, especially Chennai, for all the love and respect they have shown towards him over the years.

Former head coach of the Indian cricket team Ravi Shastri expressed his opinion about MS Dhoni confirming his return for the next year of the IPL, saying it was a good piece of news for the CSK fans, and a player as fit as Dhoni should have no difficulty continuing as a player.

Speaking about the same to ESPNCricinfo, Shastri said, "There is no question about that. It's good that they have made the announcement now, it cuts all the speculation, all the drama that goes behind it. He has one of the best leaders the country has ever produced, especially in white-ball cricket. The announcement must be heartening for the CSK fans more than anything else”.

Adding more, the former star all-rounder said, "He is not (any ordinary player). He will be up in the mountains with his regiment. He will take a break for 2-3 months. He will come and play some cricket. He will then have one big over and he will get going."

Talking about Dhoni’s batting form this year, Shastri said, "He was definitely better than last year, much more fluent. His fluency is back, there is a sense of purpose. He keeps striking it over the top, he has had no problems with power. He is an unbelievably fit bloke."

Shastri went on to praise Dhoni for his fitness at the age of 40.

He said, "When you see the amount he trains, he is not someone who keeps running around the ground and picks up weights in the gym, he is someone who plays other sport. He likes to do things outdoor to keep his fitness going, play badminton or any other sport.”

He also added, "Fitness is his key. But I think he has enjoyed his cricket this season, more than anything else, The way he has batted, the way he has kept. That sense of enjoyment has come back. He has come back and probably surprised himself with the way he has batted."

Dhoni, who amassed 232 runs in 14 matches with an average of over 30 in IPL 2022, promised to work hard to ensure a strong comeback in the next season of the league.