Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has shared his thoughts on the potential future of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni, suggesting that the veteran cricketer will either continue playing as a first-team player or retire from the sport altogether. Sehwag's comments stem from his belief that Dhoni does not meet the criteria set by the recently introduced Impact Player rule.
Speculations surrounding Dhoni's retirement have been circulating throughout the 2023 IPL season, leading many to speculate that this edition could mark his final appearance in the tournament. CSK's bowling coach Dwayne Bravo had previously expressed his belief that the Impact Player rule could influence Dhoni's decision to extend his tenure with the yellow army.
However, Sehwag holds a different perspective. Speaking to Cricbuzz, the former opener stated that the Impact Player rule does not apply to Dhoni because he primarily plays for his captaincy role. According to Sehwag, the rule is designed for specific players who do not field but contribute through their batting or for bowlers who do not need to bat. Sehwag believes that since Dhoni is required to field for the entire duration of the match as the captain, he would not even qualify as an Impact Player if he were not leading the team. Sehwag speculates that Dhoni's future could involve a role as a mentor, coach, or Director of Cricket if he steps down as a player.
During a recent chat after leading CSK to their record 10th IPL final, Dhoni touched upon his retirement plans, stating that he has ample time to decide whether he will participate in another edition of the IPL. He also expressed his intention to remain connected to the team, whether it be as a player or in a support staff capacity.
The future of MS Dhoni continues to intrigue fans and cricket pundits alike, with opinions varying on whether he will continue playing or retire from the sport after his illustrious career.