/betbarter/media/agency_attachments/3YXcMKaocLoKtpo5Mw2o.png)
/betbarter/media/post_banners/Elz17sgcMNTlokpGhCXc.jpg)
MS-Dhoni
Kasi Vishwanathan, CEO of CSK showed confidence that MS Dhoni can play for few more years with the franchise. He believes that Dhoni is fit enough to continue playing and has no reason to retire as of now. He adds value to the team with both his leadership and batting.
Vishwanathan made the observation when there has been a lot of speculation around Dhoni's IPL retirement. Last year, the legendary captain had remarked that it was not his last season with CSK. However, fans are eagerly awaiting any such confirmation this time around.
In an interview, Vishwanathan stated that Dhoni is fully fit and trains a lot. So he can continue with CSK for a few more years. There is no reason for him to retire at the moment. The management is happy with what Dhoni has done for CSK. It is not just about his leadership quality and the experience he brings to the team. He is still a brilliant batsman who brings value to the side. Dhoni has always been a finisher and he is still doing that for CSK.
Dhoni's batting form has been in question for the last few years. But there has been no doubt about his leadership quality. He led CSK to retain a spot in the top 4 during the first half of IPL 2021. The team won five out of seven matches and maintained a season-best net run rate of 1.263.
Uncertainty remains around MS Dhoni's batting ability
During phase one of IPL 2021, Dhoni has made just 37 runs in four innings. It further fueled the uncertainty around his batting ability. He looked out of touch at the beginning of the tournament. Moreover, his returns were highlighted by the efficiency of the CSK middle and lower order.
Faf du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad maintained a constant opening stand which helped the team get a good start. The newfound combination of Suresh Raina and Moeen Ali in the middle order stabilized the team. On top of that all-rounders in the lower order did not let the team miss MS Dhoni the batsman.
However, the tournament is set to return to UAE where Dhoni and the CSK franchise had the worst IPL season last year. It would bring a new dynamic within the team and on the field. It would be interesting to see how MS Dhoni would handle the second phase of IPL 2021.