Speculation surrounding MS Dhoni’s future in the Indian Premier League (IPL) persists as the seasoned player prepares for yet another season. With a remarkable record of leading the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to five titles in the tournament, Dhoni is set to don the yellow jersey once again for IPL 2024.
Suresh Raina, former India and CSK all-rounder, expressed his desire for Dhoni to continue gracing the IPL stage for another five years, highlighting his admiration for his former teammate’s enduring prowess.
Suresh Raina exclusively said: “The biggest question is who’ll be their next captain? Even if Dhoni stepped away as captain, he’ll be in the dugout whether it’s as a mental toughness coach or just for his presence. But the question is, who is he going to nurture?”
Additionally, Raina hinted at Dhoni’s potential transition into a different role within the CSK setup once he steps off the field as a player. The anticipation builds as the IPL commences this Friday, with the reigning champions CSK facing off against the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the opening encounter.
“This is a pivotal year for CSK” – Suresh Raina
Raina further said: “This is a pivotal year for CSK. Who does MS have his eyes on? Ruturaj Gaikwad is a good option. This year is a very important year for CSK, more than for MS Dhoni.
“Because we’ll see who he is going to select as his deputy and probably say: ‘You handle this now, I’ve been looking after the team since 2008. You take care of the yellow, I will wear the jersey and sit in the dressing room’.
“It’s important now to see how he plans for the future. He’s 42 years old. I would love to see him play for five more years, or at least two or three more years.”
Amidst the excitement surrounding Dhoni’s future and CSK’s campaign, fans eagerly await to witness the unfolding of yet another thrilling season of cricketing spectacle.
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