MS Dhoni, the iconic wicketkeeper-batsman, will run CSK’s campaign after returning as captain. He will coach the team until the conclusion of the IPL this season. Now his team captain Dhoni has been ruled out for the rest of the season with injury. This controversial decision opens up a whole host of questions concerning his future in the sport. Despite this about-face, the team is still sitting ninth in the 10-team NWSL table. They sit atop an uphill challenge themselves, having only won one of their first five matches all season long.
Dhoni’s form has for the past few months been a hot topic with his last two innings being single figure scores. He’s done that better than anyone else this season, averaging a freakish 51.50. He racked up the joint-most 30+ scores (2) and the highest strike-rate of 153.73. Nagging knee issues have kept him from being able to hit for long stretches, raising questions about his health and fitness.
When Dhoni announced his captaincy immediately after a match against the Delhi Capitals, it wasn’t just the crowd cheering him on during the game. Their attendance has fueled speculation about his imminent retirement. This issue has been a matter of debate ever since he retired from international cricket in 2020. Dhoni’s captain cool magic has etched his name into the annals of Indian cricket history. His greatest triumphs came in limited overs, in which he led India to 2007 T20 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy victories.
In his previous stint as captain of Chennai Super Kings from 2008 to 2024, Dhoni guided the franchise to five IPL titles. His reappearance at the helm is intended to bring confidence and inner drive back to a team that has largely stunk.
Stephen Fleming, the team’s coach, emphasized Dhoni’s value to the squad, stating, “He’s too valuable and leadership wise to throw him in after nine or 10 overs.” He further noted that Dhoni’s contributions will depend on his condition on match days: “He will gauge on the day what he can give us.”
As Dhoni takes charge once more, fans and analysts alike will be closely observing how he navigates this challenging season and what it may mean for his cricketing future.
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