"What he has done for CSK?" Chris Gayle's No-Nonsense Verdict On MS Dhoni's IPL Retirement

Former West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle has opened up about the calls for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni's retirement from the IPL. The legendary 'Universal Boss' urged fans to be cautious and added that Dhoni’s contributions to the tournament extend far beyond just his on-field performance.

Dhoni has continued his IPL career despite his retirement from international cricket in 2020. The 43-year-old was retained by Chennai Super Kings as an uncapped player. His batting prowess may not be as impactful as it once was, but Dhoni had a remarkable 2024 IPL season, smashing a strike rate of over 220.

MS Dhoni Brings a Lot of Value to the IPL - Chris Gayle

In an interview with InsideSport, Chris Gayle shared his thoughts on MS Dhoni's retirement from the IPL. Gayle said that Dhoni’s leadership guided Chennai Super Kings to five IPL titles. He warned that criticism from fans could send the wrong message to Dhoni, who continues to bring immense value to the IPL.

“With Dhoni, he brings a lot of value to the IPL. You want to see him as long as possible and want him to stay. You don’t want to push him. When you start to hear that noise, people are going to send a wrong message to such a great player and a great person. You don’t want to send such a message to a guy like Dhoni because he brings so much value in IPL,” said.

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That Is What He Brings to the IPL - Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle said that MS Dhoni’s retirement from the IPL could lead to a decline in both CSK’s and the league’s overall value. Gayle added that wherever CSK plays, the iconic "Whistle Podu" chant is a testament to Dhoni's influence.

“For someone who has won the championship so many times, if he goes from the IPL, it will take a little bit of drop. What he has done for his franchise it is fantastic. Wherever CSK plays in India, it is all about the Whistle Podu. That is the power and that is what he brings to the IPL,” Gayle added.

MS Dhoni’s entry into the field during the match between CSK and RR in Guwahati for IPL 2025 was met with a massive 120 decibel greeting from the crowd. CSK’s opening IPL 2025 match against Mumbai Indians had 31.1 crore viewers.

His Wicketkeeping Is Still One of the Best - Chris Gayle

Gayle said that fans are mainly eager to see MS Dhoni bat, regardless of when he comes in. He commended the 43-year-old for maintaining his exceptional wicketkeeping skills, stating that Dhoni remains sharp behind the stumps.

“His wicketkeeping is still one of the best, he is still very sharp. It is about how he plays for the team and how they are going to use him. Everybody wants to see Dhoni. So, it doesn’t matter where he bats for me, even at number 11, as long as people get a glimpse of Dhoni, still to be a part of CSK and the IPL,” Gayle added.

Dhoni will return to the field when CSK takes on Delhi Capitals (DC) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, April 5. CSK is in seventh place on the points table with two points from three matches.

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