MS Dhoni, the legendary cricketer and leader of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), may have stepped back from captaining the team, but his influence and leadership remain intact. Despite his iconic status, Dhoni chose to bat at No. 8 in the last IPL season, a decision that puzzled many fans. While some enjoyed seeing the former Indian captain’s power-hitting cameos, others wished he would bat higher up the order.
Many believed that Dhoni’s decision to come lower down was due to fitness concerns, particularly his long-standing knee issue. However, in a recent promotional event, Dhoni revealed a different perspective. He explained that his decision to stay lower in the batting order was driven by his desire to give younger players like Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube a better chance to prove themselves ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. Dhoni, being the ultimate team player, stated there was “nothing in it” for him, as he no longer needed to prove himself or aim for selection in the Indian team. His priority was helping others succeed.
“My thinking was simple, if others are doing their job well, why do I need to come up the order?” Dhoni said. “We had a few players in our team, like Jadeja and Dube, who were fighting for a spot in the Indian team. So, I gave them the opportunity to prove themselves. There was nothing in it for me. No selection, no pressure.”
Dhoni’s thoughts on his IPL future
At the same event, Dhoni also hinted at his future plans, confirming what many fans have been hoping for — he plans to continue playing for a few more years. Dhoni stated that he wants to enjoy the “last few years” of cricket that he has left, shifting his focus from being a competitive professional to simply enjoying the game he loves.
“I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play. When you play cricket as a professional, it becomes difficult to enjoy it just like a game. That’s what I want to do. It’s not easy. The emotions keep coming, the commitments are there. I want to enjoy the game for the next few years,” Dhoni added.
His comments have delighted fans who are eager to see more of Dhoni in the IPL, especially as he continues to play a pivotal role for CSK. Whether leading from behind or on the field, Dhoni’s commitment to the game and to his teammates is a testament to his enduring legacy in cricket.