MS Dhoni has expressed his desire to savor the remaining years of his cricketing career. Recently, amid ongoing uncertainties regarding his participation in the IPL 2025 season, Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan conveyed optimism about Dhoni's involvement. Dhoni shared his sentiments during a promotional event in Goa, emphasizing the importance of enjoyment in the sport as he navigates the twilight of his career.
He reminisced about the joy of playing cricket during childhood, underscoring that the professional aspect often complicates the enjoyment of the game. His aspirations revolve around striking a balance between the emotional commitments of the sport and the need to find pleasure in playing for the foreseeable future.
As leagues worldwide prepare for player retention strategies, the deadline for franchises to submit their retained player lists to the IPL is on October 31. This year, Dhoni qualifies for retention by CSK as an uncapped player, a status reinstated by the IPL after previously being rescinded in 2021. Under this rule, a player is deemed uncapped if they have been retired from international cricket for five years.
Throughout IPL 2024, Dhoni adapted his batting position, often coming in lower down the order. This strategic shift was influenced, in part, by his recovery from knee surgery. However, Dhoni also highlighted a larger objective behind this approach: to allow emerging Indian players an opportunity to showcase their capabilities ahead of the T20 World Cup. He rationalized this by stating that if others were performing well, there was no need for him to step up the batting order. His intention was to prepare his team, specifically those like Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube, for higher stakes in the international arena. This decision was not about personal aspirations or selections; instead, it was aligned with the team's collective goals.
Dhoni expressed admiration for the evolution of Test cricket, particularly the highly aggressive style now referred to as "Bazball." He finds this fresh, result-oriented approach in Tests compelling and appreciates how it marks a significant departure from previous conventions. Dhoni noted that cricket is continuously evolving, and strategies once deemed safe in ODIs may no longer hold up in T20 formats.
He pointed out that while various playing styles exist, the preference for aggressive versus traditional cricket depends on a team’s capabilities. It is essential to understand a team's strengths and develop strategies that align with them. Transformation does not occur instantaneously; it requires patience and time, especially for players molded by years of experience in specific styles of play.
Reflecting on his Test career, Dhoni recalled the challenges he faced during matches heading towards a draw. The final day of a Test, when it became clear that no result was forthcoming, proved particularly arduous. Dhoni shared the fatigue he experienced during such games, where maintaining focus felt futile as the match seemed to follow a predictable course with no decisive outcome.
He conveyed the philosophy that a game lasting five days without a result may not be favorable for the sport's appeal. Dhoni expressed enthusiasm about the current trend in Test cricket where results are more frequent, even with the possibility of four-day matches. This is a significant development that enhances the allure of Test cricket, refining it into a format where competitive outcomes are more assured.
As the cricketing world looks ahead to the next season of IPL and beyond, the sporting community remains captivated by the possibility of witnessing MS Dhoni continue his illustrious career. His commitment to the sport and evolving strategies reflect a dedication towards nurturing the next generation of players while also enjoying the game he cherishes deeply. It’s an encouraging reminder that cricket, with its complex history and rich legacy, continues to grow and captivate fans while embracing change.