(IPL Credit)
Amit Mishra, the former Indian leg-spinner, has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding MS Dhoni’s future in the IPL. Following Dhoni’s decision to pass on the captaincy of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to Ruturaj Gaikwad for the IPL 2024 season, uncertainty looms over whether Dhoni will continue playing in the league.
Dhoni, renowned as one of cricket’s greatest wicketkeepers and most successful captains, has kept both his fans and the cricket fraternity guessing about his IPL plans, especially after CSK’s failure to advance to the knockout stages under Gaikwad’s leadership.
Amit Mishra predicts MS Dhoni’s comeback for IPL 2025.
Despite playing in lower batting positions (8 and 9) for CSK during this season despite being in excellent form, speculation abounds regarding MS Dhoni’s potential return for the 2025 IPL season. However, Amit Mishra remains optimistic about the former CSK captain’s future, asserting that Dhoni will indeed participate in IPL 2025.
Mishra emphasized Dhoni’s legendary status within the CSK team, highlighting his enduring association with the franchise. According to Mishra, Dhoni might return as a player-cum-mentor for CSK in the next IPL season, ensuring he plays one more season before retiring from the game.
Discussing Dhoni’s role, Mishra suggested that Dhoni will play a pivotal role in shaping CSK’s core team for future seasons, even after retiring from active play. Mishra reiterated his belief that the former Indian captain will definitely feature as a player in the upcoming IPL 2025.
MS Dhoni will prepare a core team for CSK: Amit Mishra
Amit Mishra said on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast on YouTube: “MS Dhoni is not retiring because he is a very big name in the CSK team, a very big thing, and a lot of things are associated with him, so I believe that he will definitely be with the team as a player next year. Maybe he does not play all the matches, even if he will be with the team as a player-cum-mentor, but he will definitely play in the IPL 2025. He will prepare a core team for CSK, but it is certain that he will be associated with Chennai in any capacity.
But I think Dhoni will definitely play in the IPL 2025 as a player, because being with CSK next year means that you are preparing for the next two years. During this time, they will prepare their core team and their captain, and if something goes up or down, then they can make changes. After playing in the IPL 2025, Dhoni can announce his retirement from the IPL.”
During the podcast, Mishra voiced his discontent, attributing MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli for derailing his international career. Despite playing under their captaincy, Mishra lamented the lack of consistent opportunities, ultimately concluding his international tenure with 156 wickets across 22 Tests, 36 ODIs, and 10 T20Is.
Interestingly, Mishra openly expressed his admiration for Rohit Sharma, going as far as to label him his favorite player, a sentiment that notably omitted Dhoni from his accolades.
