MS Dhoni is arguably the biggest cricketer that India has produced in history. He has been a legend at the international level and also in the Indian Premier League. MSD has been captaining the Chennai Super Kings since the very first season in 2008. Under his leadership, CSK has won four titles. Notably. Dhoni announced his international retirement in August 2020. But since then, he has been playing in the IPL.
However, over the last few seasons, a number of times it has been discussed whether Dhoni is playing his last season or what. Even in the last game against the Lucknow Super Giants, Danny Morrison asked the CSK skipper about his retirement at the toss. However, Dhoni said that he hasn’t confirmed yet whether it is his last season or not. He said, “You’ve decided it is my last; I haven’t.”
“MS Dhoni wants every player, playing under him, to perform well”- Mohammed Kaif
Dhoni’s presence in the team is always a learning curve for many young cricketers. It has been seen multiple times that under-performing players start performing when they play for CSK under him. A number of cricketers have shared their desire to play under MSD in the IPL. Former Indian star Mohammed Kaif has also lauded the CSK skipper and talked about his importance for the four-time champions. In an interaction on the “Cricket Live” show on Star Sports, Kaif said,
“Mahi is no longer playing as a player but as a mentor. He chooses the team. Let’s get on the field. He does not tease the seniors much but keeps on teaching the youth all the time. He wants every player, playing under him, to perform well as it will make the team’s job easier.”
Earlier, former Indian and CSK off-spinner Harbhajan Singh also said that it is Dhoni who only knows when he will retire. Bhajji also stated that Dhoni and CSK fans will be very happy if he can continue for the next season as well. Chennai is currently in the top four with 11 points. They are ranked fourth on the list with five wins out of ten games. The last match for CSK against LSG was called off due to rain, and both teams shared a point each.