Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been an integral part of the Chennai Super Kings since the inception of the Indian Premier League in 2008 except for the two seasons when they were banned from 2015-2017. In his stint as captain of the popular franchise, he has led CSK to five IPL titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023). Alongside the Mumbai Indians, CSK has been the most successful team in the IPL. Dhoni retired from captaincy after the 2023 season with Ruturaj Gaikwad now captaining the side.
Having lost two out of three matches this season, the Chennai Super Kings are visibly struggling for form with MS Dhoni coming to bat too deep at the 9th position, questions have arisen whether he should continue as a player. While his wicket keeping skills are as sharp as anyone as he has demonstrated with his lightning quick stumping and run-out in previous games, his batting position has left a lot to be desired. With CSK needing runs in the match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru this season, instead of coming in early, it was baffling to see him send Ravichandran Ashwin ahead of himself as they ended up losing the match by 50 runs. Even though he can still dispatch the ball into the stands with ease, his inability to come in earlier has affected his team’s chances of winning matches this season.
CSK coach Stephen Fleming recently mentioned that Dhoni has fitness issues with knee problems and can’t bat 10 overs and that’s why he has taken a strategic lower order position. It’s quite understandable that it is difficult for a 43-year-old player to keep wickets for 20 overs and then bat for a long period but Dhoni’s role is that of a finisher. However, there may be situations in some matches where a lower order batter has to come in early and help his team win the match and if he isn’t able to do so then he is wasting a crucial batting position and hampering his team’s chances.
MS Dhoni has been a stalwart for both India and CSK and brings in a wealth of experience but I believe it’s time he hung up his boots and gave a young player the position in the side. He is clearly not fit enough to bat for long periods and with ageing vision, hand-eye coordination and running between wickets get severely impacted. Hence, its far more beneficial for CSK to get in a decent young wicketkeeper who is also adept in a finishing role or get an explosive finisher along with a top or middle order wicketkeeping batsman.
That being said, I still firmly believe that Dhoni has an immense wealth of experience to offer. While he should no longer be in the playing squad, his influence from the sidelines could be invaluable. Coming on board as a mentor or coach could be the ideal role for him. With his sharp tactical intelligence and vast cricketing knowledge, Dhoni could play a crucial part in devising strategies against opposing teams. Additionally, he could guide the team in making key decisions about which players would be most effective against specific opponents.
In my opinion, it’s definitely time that the legendary former India captain takes the decision to move on and knowing how selfless he has been, the call may come sooner rather than later.
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