RCB vs CSK: "MS Dhoni likes to build drama...": Michael Hussey on MS Dhoni's IPL future

Michael Hussey, the batting coach of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), revealed that MS Dhoni keeps his cards close to himself about his plans in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The former Australian batter stressed that, like others, he is also not aware of Dhoni’s next move.

With CSK gearing up for a crucial IPL 2024 clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Bengaluru on May 18, Dhoni's future remains uncertain, as he is already playing lower in the batting order this season.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Hussey expressed his desire for the charismatic cricketer to continue playing IPL for at least a couple more years. He revealed that Dhoni is still in good form and performing well with the bat.

MS Dhoni keeps his cards very, very close to his chest: Michael Hussey

But when the CSK batting coach was asked if Dhoni would be back next year, Hussey stressed that the former India and CSK skipper likes to sort of build the drama, so he and fans will have to wait for his final call.

Michael Hussey said on ESPN's Around the Wicket show about MS Dhoni’s return for next season: “Your guess is as good as mine at this stage. He keeps his cards very, very close to his chest. We are hoping he does keep going. He is still batting so well. He does prepare well - he gets into the camp very early and hits a lot of balls. He has been in good touch all season really.”

Many have been questioning Dhoni’s decision to bat in the lower order for CSK despite being in great form with the bat and entertaining the fans in the ongoing IPL 2024. And now Hussey revealed that Dhoni's workload is being managed properly by CSK, as he had knee surgery last year.

Well, the Aussie reiterated that we all want Dhoni to play another couple of seasons in the IPL, but nobody knows his plans, and he doesn’t see his final decision coming anytime soon.

Michael Hussey hopes MS Dhoni keeps going for another couple of years

Hussey further said, “I guess we just got to try to manage him from the body side of things. He had a knee surgery after the last season. So, he has been managing that from the initial stage of the tournament. I know fans probably want to see him batting a little bit higher in the order, but we have had to manage him a little bit and he only comes in at the back end due to that surgery.

From a personal point of view, I hope he keeps going for another couple of years. But we will just have to wait and see. He is the only one who will make that call. And he likes to sort of build the drama a little bit as well. So, I wouldn't expect a decision anytime soon.”

Speaking about Dhoni’s performance in the ongoing IPL, the legendary cricketer has so far amassed 136 runs at a strike rate of 226.66 in his 10 outings in the yellow jersey. Notably, CSK has been performing well under Ruturaj Gaikwad's captaincy.

The defending champions are currently placed third on the IPL 2024 points table with 14 points, and they would like to confirm their playoff berth by winning their last league game against the RCB on May 18.