MS Dhoni, the iconic skipper of the Chennai Super Kings, finished another IPL season at the age of 43, but fans are eager to see him return in the following season. While Dhoni has stated that he will take his time before making a decision on his future, former India cricketer Robin Uthappa believes the veteran still has the will to continue.
The eighteenth edition of the cash-rich league proved difficult for the five-time champions. Despite a good effort in their final game, in which they scored a season-high 238 and upset the Gujarat Titans, CSK finished at the bottom of the points chart for the first time in history. Notably, they won only four out of fourteen games. However, Uthappa believes the Ranchi native still has the desire to contribute.
“Everything relies on his health and how he feels. You must recognise that he genuinely wants to play. The fire is still burning. According to what he said during the post-match presentation, the desire to win titles and play in the middle remains strong. Now it’s time for him to return to work on his body in preparation for the next IPL season. If that does not happen, he will call it before the mini-auction. If not, you’ll see a tweet or an Instagram post,” Uthappa explained on JioStar.
I have four to five months to make a decision: MS Dhoni
Dhoni, who began the season as a wicketkeeper-batsman, was forced to take over captaincy midway through the season after Ruturaj Gaikwad was injured. Under his guidance, CSK won three games, but the season ended on a low note. As a batter, he scored 196 runs with an average of 24.50 and a strikeout percentage of 135.17.
Meanwhile, following the win over GT, Dhoni did not provide a firm response about his future as a player. He explained that he had 4-5 months to make a decision.
“It depends, you understand. Again, I would state the same thing. I have about 4-5 months to decide. There is no hurry to make a decision. Every year, it requires 15% more effort. To maintain the body fit. Not to mention, this is top-tier cricket. It is professional cricket. You must be at your best. Not all performances can be counted.
Because if cricketers begin to retire based on their performances, just a handful will do so when they are 22. So what is vital is to determine how hungry you are. What type of fitness you have. And how much you can provide the squad. Whether the team requires you or not. So [I] have ample time and will return to Ranchi. “I haven’t been home in a long time…enjoy a few bike rides… [take] a couple of months before deciding,” Dhoni stated during the post-match presentation ceremony.
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