Watch- Zaheer Khan labels MS Dhoni a big problem for every IPL team, wishes for his retirement
Published - 20 Mar 2025, 01:16 PM | Updated - 20 Mar 2025, 01:18 PM
Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan opened up about MS Dhoni’s immense popularity, especially during Chennai Super Kings (CSK) away matches in IPL. Zaheer stated that as long as Dhoni is playing, even away stadiums will continue to be dominated by Chennai Super Kings fans.
MS Dhoni is set to play his 18th IPL season at the age of 43. The Super Kings retained him as an 'uncapped player' for ₹4 crore before the mega auction. Dhoni delivered impactful cameos last season. The right-handed batter scored 161 runs at a strike rate of over 220 while being dismissed only three times.
Watch: Zaheer Khan Opens Up on MS Dhoni’s Immense Popularity
When a reporter asked for a “blue sea” of Lucknow Super Giants fans in their home game against CSK, Zaheer Khan responded by stating that stadiums will continue to be dominated by Dhoni’s fans.
"We want to see a blue sea at Lucknow when CSK will be there," a reporter said.
"As long as MS Dhoni is around, yellow will dominate all the stadiums because of the love fans have for him," Zaheer said.
Reporter: "We want to see a blue sea at Lucknow when CSK will be there."
— DHONI Trends™ (@TrendsDhoni) March 19, 2025
Zaheer: "As long as MS Dhoni is around, yellow will dominate all the stadiums because of the love fans have for him." 💛@MSDhoni #MSDhoni #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/NCiFMtH6Zq
MS Dhoni Set to Play as Specialist Wicketkeeper-Batter in IPL 2025
MS Dhoni has only played in the IPL since retiring from international cricket in 2020. He had a strong 2024 season despite knee issues. Dhoni stepped down as CSK captain and handed the role to Ruturaj Gaikwad after leading the team to their fifth title in 2023.
The 43-year-old mostly batted at No. 7 and 8 last season, hitting 14 boundaries and 13 sixes in just 73 balls. However, CSK finished fifth in IPL 2024 and missed the playoffs.
For IPL 2025, CSK has strengthened its spin attack by adding Ravichandran Ashwin and Noor Ahmad while keeping most of its 2023 title-winning core team.
Zaheer Khan To Serve As Lucknow Super Giants Mentor In IPL 2025
Zaheer Khan has taken over as the mentor of Lucknow Super Giants for the IPL 2025. The former fast bowler replaced Gautam Gambhir as LSG’s mentor in August last year.
After three seasons without winning a title, LSG made significant changes to the squad, including the release of KL Rahul. The franchise spent big to acquire Rishabh Pant as their new captain.
Rishabh Pant has scored 3,284 runs in 110 matches at an average of 35.31, including a century and 18 fifties. Pant took over as DC's captain in 2021 and guided them to the playoffs that season. He made history as the most expensive player ever in the league, as the Super Giants bought him for ₹27 crore.
LSG will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign on March 24 against Delhi Capitals, Pant’s former team. They are also set to face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on April 14.
Also read: Sanju Samson removed as Rajasthan Royals' captain right before BCCI meeting with IPL 2025 captains
