Chennai Super Kings concluded the 18th edition of the IPL on a positive note on Sunday with a win over table toppers Gujarat Titans. As the franchise finished the season with a win, a debate over MS Dhoni’s future also erupted in the pre-match show conversation. There’s been a lot of talk around MS Dhoni retiring from the IPL, especially after CSK’s poor form and his poor performance in the tournament. Many believed that this is the last season of Captain Cool, but in the post-match conference, when asked about his retirement, Dhoni didn’t say that he is retiring.
“It depends. I have four to five months to decide. There’s no rush. I need to ensure my body stays in shape. You have to be at your peak to compete. If players started retiring based on form, some would hang up their boots at 22. I’ll head back to Ranchi and enjoy some bike rides.”He added, “I’m not saying I’m done, but I’m also not committing to a return. I’m fortunate to have the luxury of time. I’ll reflect and make a decision when the time feels right.” Dhoni mentioned in the interview with Harsha Bhogle.
A heated debate over Dhoni’s future
After the match, a normal conversation turned to a heated debate in the post-match show between Aakash Chopra and Suresh Raina. The duo clashed over their opinions about Dhoni’s fitness and future. After the match, former Indian cricketers Suresh Raina, Sanjay Bangar, RP Singh, and Aakash Chopra engaged in a lively discussion about whether MS Dhoni should retire from the IPL. While Raina and RP Singh believed Dhoni still had more to offer, Chopra and Bangar leaned towards the idea that it might be time for him to step away. What began as a regular panel discussion soon escalated into a heated exchange, with both sides passionately defending their viewpoints.
Below is the exact way the conversation unfolded.
Aakash Chopra: If MS Dhoni wasn’t an uncapped Indian, would he have been a part of the CSK team this year?
Suresh Raina: Absolutely, he has been with the team for 18 years. Even now, he hits the most sixes.
Aakash Chopra: The point is, why is he batting at No. 7, No. 8 or No. 9? Your team isn’t batting well, the problems are coming from the top order. Should such a big player bat higher up? Why the reluctance? Is he even fit or not?
Suresh Raina: He feels he is more comfortable in the final four overs. He is fit, keeping wickets at the age of 44. He did an interview in the middle, saying a team for the World Cup (T20) is being made, hence he wants to give others like Shivam Dubemore chances.
RP Singh: After a knee surgery, he is bound to take time. Every player does. He has been keeping for 20 years, manages himself. Raina also had a knee operation done. He managed himself for some time and eventually recovered.
Winning the last match against GT with a dominant score, CSK finished on the bottom of the table this season. With just four wins out of the total 14 matches played. Meanwhile, Dhoni, best known as best finisher also couldn’t score well and failed to make an impact this season.
