New Delhi: MS Dhoni is determined to remain relevant in IPL 2025, even after six years after retiring from national duty and aged 44 years. The former skipper helped Chennai Super Kings beat Mumbai Indians by four wickets at the Chepauk Stadium on Sunday.
Dhoni led CSK to five IPL titles after which he relinquished the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad last year. The keeper-batter remains one of the few players who have played in all editions of the IPL since its inception in 2008, however he stressed on the importance to keep improving as a cricketer.
“…batsmen are now willing to take risks. They believe that with proper cricketing shots, they can play big strokes, and at the same time, they are improvising with their shot selection…whether it’s a reverse scoop against a fast bowler, a sweep, or a reverse sweep against a pacer,” Dhoni told Jiostar.
“I am no different, I have to adapt as well. This is what is required of me for where I am batting. You have to try and stay relevant.
“The way we played T20 in 2008 and the way we played IPL last year, it’s very different. Earlier, there was a lot of turn in the wickets. Wickets were two-paced. Now, India’s wickets have become much better; they are more batter-friendly,” he explained.
‘Gaikwad in charge, not me’
Even in his advanced years, Dhoni remains a key figure in the CSK set-up, but played down his leadership role while speaking on team dynamics under Gaikwad.
“Ruturaj has been part of us for quite some time. His temperament is very good, he’s very calm, very composed. So those were the reasons we considered him for leadership,” he said.
“Before the start of the tournament, I also told him, ‘If I give you advice, it doesn’t mean you have to follow it. I will try to stay away as much as possible.’ During the season, a lot of people speculated that I was making the decisions in the background.
“But the fact is, he was making 99 per cent of the decisions. The most important calls — bowling changes, field placements — were all his. I was just helping him out. He did a brilliant job of handling the players.”
CSK keeper-batter MS Dhoni remains one of the few players who have played in all editions of the IPL since its inception in 2008 Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
