Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been an integral part of the Chennai Super Kings since the inception of the Indian Premier League in 2008—barring, of course, the two seasons when they were banned.
In his time as captain, Dhoni has led CSK to five IPL titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023). Alongside the Mumbai Indians, the Super Kings are the most successful franchise in IPL history.
Dhoni relinquished the Super Kings’ captaincy after the 2023 season, with Ruturaj Gaikwad taking up the mantle. However, after failing to make the playoffs last year, CSK are struggling again this time around, having lost two out of their opening three matches. With Dhoni coming to bat too deep, often as late as No. 9, questions have arisen whether he should continue as a player at all.
While his wicketkeeping skills are as sharp as ever, Dhoni’s batting and batting position remain a concern. With CSK needing runs against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, for instance, instead of Dhoni coming in early we saw Ravichandran Ashwin coming in to bat ahead of him—a game CSK ended up losing by 50 runs. Even though he can still dispatch the ball into the stands with ease, the 43-year-old’s reluctance to come in earlier has been affecting his team’s chances of winning matches.
CSK coach Stephen Fleming recently said that Dhoni had knee problems and couldn’t bat ten overs, implying his lower-order position to be a strategic call. Given his age, this is understandable, but Dhoni’s role for the majority of his career has been that of a finisher. There have been situations over the past two decades where he has had to come in early and help his team out. If he isn’t able to do that anymore, one has to wonder whether the team are squandering a crucial batting position and hampering their chances of long-term success.
Dhoni has been a stalwart for both Team India and CSK, but it’s time he hung up his gloves and gave a younger player his position in the side. He is evidently not fit enough to bat for long periods, and with age his vision, hand-eye coordination, and ability to run between the wickets are bound to be severely impacted as well. It would be far more beneficial for CSK to bring in a younger wicketkeeper who could play the finisher, or slot in an explosive finisher alongside a top- or middle-order batter.
That said, one cannot underestimate the immense wealth of experience Dhoni has to offer. While his playing days look numbered, his influence from the dugout could be invaluable. Staying on board as a mentor or coach would be the ideal next step for him. With his sharp tactical intelligence and vast cricketing knowledge, Dhoni could continue contributing to the Super Kings’ plans for years to come.
It’s definitely time for the legendary wicketkeeper to leave the playing field behind. Knowing how selfless he has been his entire career, we shall see the moment arrive sooner rather than later.
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