Irfan Pathan and MS Dhoni. (Photo Source: Twitter)
In the match against Gujarat Titans on May 23 in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2023, legendary skipper MS Dhoni managed to score only one run off two deliveries following which, the former India international Irfan Pathan stated that he hopes MS Dhoni keeps playing in the cash-rich tournament. Notably, the cricketer is suffering from a knee injury and thus, a few reports claimed that the 41-year-old may call his time after the end of this season. However, Dhoni himself clarified that he isn’t sure of it but will take a decision in the near future.
Pathan, meanwhile, added that the Impact Player rule will help Dhoni continue playing for the four-time champions. The 38-year-old stated that the CSK captain should sign off with a better farewell knock in Chennai.
“With impact player rule hopefully this isn’t Dhoni’s last inning at the Chepauk…” Pathan tweeted.
Dhoni opens up on his retirement plans
After a terrific win over Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1, presenter Harsha Bhogle asked Dhoni about his retirement plans and if this was the last time he played in Chepauk. In reply to that, the 41-year-old stated that he isn’t quite sure as he still has 8-9 months to decide and will only confirm ahead of the next year’s auction. The cricketer added saying that he has ample time to decide and will not take that headache now.
“I don’t know, I have 8-9 months to decide. The small auction will be around December so why to take that headache now. I have ample time to decide. I’ll always be there for CSK, whether it’s in playing form or sitting somewhere outside, I don’t really know. Frankly, it takes a heavy toll, I have been out of home from January, and have been practising since March, it takes a lot, so we will see, I have ample time to decide,” Dhoni mentioned in the post-match presentation.
Notably, under his able leadership, Chennai qualified for yet another final in the IPL. They defeated Gujarat by 15 runs in Qualifier 1 and will be taking on either GT, LSG or MI in the final, which is slated to take place on May 28 in Ahmedabad.