NEW DELHI: Despite Chennai Super Kings' elimination from IPL 2024 after a 27-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, former India batter Ambati Rayudu believes MS Dhoni hasn't played his last match in the league.
Rayudu, who has played under Dhoni at CSK, emphasized the importance of the contentious impact player rule in potentially extending Dhoni's IPL career.
CSK, the five-time champions, were in a tight spot needing 17 runs in the final over to secure a playoff berth on better net run rate. Dhoni, after hitting a monstrous six, was eventually dismissed, and bowler Yash Dayal held his nerve to ensure RCB's victory.
Rayudu expressed his views on Star Sports Cricket Live, stating, "I don't think this is his last game. I just don't see him wanting to end on this note." He noted Dhoni's visible frustration post-dismissal, which is unusual for the composed captain, indicating his desire to finish the season on a high.
In the aftermath of the match, while RCB celebrated their remarkable sixth consecutive win, Dhoni was seen quietly acknowledging the opposition before disappearing into the dressing room.
Rayudu remarked, "He looked a little frustrated, even when he got out. That's very unlike MS Dhoni, he just wanted to qualify and finish on a high. But you never know with MS Dhoni, he might come back next year."
Rayudu also brought attention to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the impact player rule. "With the impact player role as well, it gives him the opportunity to be able to come in those last few overs and truly make that impact. BCCI better not remove the impact player role because we still want to see MS Dhoni play. So, it's up to BCCI now. Do we want to see MS Dhoni play or not."
Dhoni’s contribution in the match included a 25-run knock off 13 balls, featuring three fours and a massive six, demonstrating his continued ability to deliver powerful performances.
Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden also weighed in on Dhoni's potential future in the IPL. "Yeah, I suppose the thing is when you come to the end of your career, whether it is the last part of his career or not, what you don't want to see is diminishing returns as an athlete," Hayden said. He highlighted Dhoni’s leadership and his strategic acumen, referring to him as "The Thala of the Chennai Super Kings."
Hayden praised Dhoni’s enduring power and ability to perform under pressure, saying, "He's always hit balls at this stage of an innings. At the front, you can understand how players can hit it. But at the back, it's really hard to hit balls."
Dhoni's fans and the cricketing community now await BCCI's decision on the impact player rule, which could significantly influence Dhoni's participation in future IPL seasons. As RCB moves forward to the playoffs, the cricketing world reflects on Dhoni's legacy and the possibility of his return to the IPL stage.
(With inputs from PTI)
