Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Suresh Raina has expressed his desire to see MS Dhoni continue playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for another season, citing Dhoni’s impressive batting performance in the IPL 2024 edition.
Despite Dhoni stepping down from the captaincy before the 2024 season opener, he remained a crucial part of the team as a finisher, scoring 161 runs in 14 matches with a staggering strike rate of 220.25. His highest score during the season was an unbeaten 37.
Raina, who shares a close friendship and strong professional bond with Dhoni, spoke exclusively to Sports Tak about his admiration for Dhoni’s contributions to CSK and his hopes for the future.
“I want MS Dhoni to play in IPL 2025, considering how he batted last year. I feel Ruturaj Gaikwad needs one more year, the way he captained and a lot of things were said after the loss to RCB. However, Ruturaj has done a great job,” Raina stated.
Gaikwad was appointed as CSK’s new captain ahead of the IPL 2024 opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Although Gaikwad has been praised for his leadership, Raina believes that having Dhoni around for another season could provide Gaikwad with further valuable experience and guidance.
The IPL 2024 season ended in disappointment for CSK, with the team falling short of expectations. This led to widespread speculation that it might be Dhoni’s final appearance in the tournament as a player.
However, Dhoni has yet to make any official announcement about his retirement from the IPL. Earlier this month, at an event in Hyderabad, Dhoni addressed the ongoing rumors, stating that he would make a decision about his future in the IPL after the new rules and regulations for the league are announced.
“There is a lot of time for it. We have to see what decision they take on player retention etc. Right now, the ball is not in our court. So, once the rules and regulations get formalized, I will take a call, but it needs to be in the best interest of the team,” Dhoni explained.
Dhoni’s future in the IPL has been a topic of much discussion among fans and cricket pundits alike. At 43, Dhoni remains one of the most revered figures in the sport, and his potential retirement would mark the end of an era for both CSK and the IPL. His ability to perform under pressure and his sharp cricketing mind have been instrumental in CSK’s successes over the years, making him an irreplaceable asset to the team.
Raina, who has already retired from the IPL and will now feature in the Legends League Cricket, understands the significance of Dhoni’s presence both on and off the field. He believes that another year with Dhoni in the team could not only benefit Gaikwad as a captain but also give CSK the stability and experience needed to reclaim their spot as one of the IPL’s dominant forces.
As the cricketing world awaits Dhoni’s decision, CSK fans remain hopeful that their iconic captain will don the yellow jersey for one more season, leading the team with the same passion and determination that has defined his illustrious career.
Whether Dhoni decides to continue playing or not, his legacy in the IPL and Indian cricket is already firmly established, but another season could be the perfect swan song for one of the greatest captains in the history of the sport.
