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Is MS Dhoni’s Future with CSK in Doubt?
As the IPL auction approaches, the question on many cricket fans’ minds is whether MS Dhoni will continue to lead the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming season. Dhoni, who has been with CSK since the inception of the IPL in 2008, has not played any competitive cricket since the 2019 World Cup semifinal and has kept his cards close to his chest regarding his future plans.
CSK officials, however, have expressed confidence that Dhoni will be part of their squad for the 2021 season. “We are very relaxed and confident, and we are waiting for MSD to come back and take a call,” CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan told ANI. “He has been practicing, and he is going to start training at Chepauk [stadium] from March 1. The camp will go on until the 6th, and Dhoni will be a part of it.”
Viswanathan also dismissed rumors that CSK may seek a special exemption for Dhoni under the old uncapped player rule, which allowed each team to field up to four uncapped players in their playing XI. “I don’t think it is right for us to ask for any exemption,” he said. “We are very proud of the players we have, and we have a lot of faith in them.”
The uncapped player rule was abolished in 2018, and since then, all players, regardless of their experience or reputation, have been subject to the same auction process and salary cap. Dhoni, who is one of the most successful and popular cricketers in the world, has been retained by CSK every year, but his salary has decreased from INR 15 crore in 2019 to INR 12.5 crore in 2020.
While CSK may be confident about Dhoni’s availability, some experts believe that the 39-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman may be nearing the end of his illustrious career. “I think Dhoni is in the twilight of his career,” former India opener Aakash Chopra said in a recent video. “He has been a great servant of Indian cricket and CSK, but I don’t see him playing beyond this season.”
Chopra cited Dhoni’s lack of match practice, his age, and the emergence of younger players as factors that could influence his decision. “Dhoni has not played any cricket for a long time, and he is not getting any younger,” he said. “Also, CSK has a lot of young players who are doing well, like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sam Curran, and Deepak Chahar. So, it’s not like they are dependent on Dhoni alone.”
Another factor that could affect Dhoni’s future with CSK is the team’s performance in the last season. CSK, who have won three IPL titles under Dhoni’s captaincy, finished seventh in the eight-team league in 2020, their worst performance ever. The team was criticized for its lack of intent, slow batting, and poor fielding, and Dhoni himself faced questions about his form and tactics.
However, some fans and analysts believe that CSK’s poor showing was an aberration and that the team can bounce back under Dhoni’s leadership. “I think CSK will be a different team this year,” former India spinner Pragyan Ojha said in a recent interview. “They have a lot of experience, and they know how to win. Dhoni is a great captain, and he will motivate the players to do well.”
Whether Dhoni will continue to lead CSK or not, his legacy in the IPL and Indian cricket is secure. He has played 190 matches in the IPL, scoring 4632 runs at an average of 40.99 and a strike rate of 136.75, and has taken 152 catches and made 38 stumpings. He has also led India to victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2010 and 2016 Asia Cups, and the 2011 ODI World Cup, among other achievements.
In conclusion, the speculation surrounding MS Dhoni’s future with CSK is likely to continue until the IPL auction and beyond. While CSK officials are optimistic about his availability, some experts believe that he may retire or step down as captain after the 2021 season. Whatever happens, Dhoni’s contribution to CSK and Indian cricket will be remembered for years to come.
