It doesn't look like MS Dhoni's last year in IPL!! Former Indian pacer drops a bombshell remark

Former Indian pacer S Sreesanth provided intriguing insights into MS Dhoni's future with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). S Sreesanth suggested that IPL 2024 might not mark MS Dhoni's farewell season, citing his fitness and exceptional wicketkeeping skills.

Ahead of IPL 2024, the veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batter stunned fans by stepping down as CSK captain, handing the reins to young opener Ruturaj Gaikwad. Dhoni's unexpected decision ignited speculation about whether this signals his final season in the cash-rich league.

However, the 42-year-old displayed remarkable agility behind the stumps. Dhoni showcased breathtaking form in CSK's recent match against the Delhi Capitals (DC). He scored an impressive 37* off 16 deliveries with four boundaries and three sixes, despite the team's 20-run defeat.

MS Dhoni Is Looking Much More Prepared - S Sreesanth

In an interview with The Times of India, S Sreesanth discussed speculation surrounding MS Dhoni's retirement, noting his remarkable fitness and performance this season. Sreesanth also noted Dhoni's appearance, drawing comparisons to his prime years in the early 2000s.

"Everyone is saying and talking about Dhoni's last year. The way he is playing, his fitness, his work behind the wickets, it doesn't look like. He is looking much more prepared and fit this season. With his long hair back, it seems we are watching the Dhoni of the early 2000s," Sreesanth said.

"I have seen him during the practice sessions too. He had those looks when he was about to play for India A. I am talking about 2002 and 2003. He is much fitter than before. We all spoke about him batting at number 4 or 5. I would love to see him bat on the top and take the opposition to the cleaners," he added.

Sreesanth was part of India's victorious squads during the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. Renowned for his memorable catch of Misbah-ul-Haq in the 2007 T20 World Cup final, Sreesanth represented India in 27 Tests, 53 ODIs, and 10 T20Is between 2005 and 2011.

Won't Be Easy On The Body - MS Dhoni

After guiding CSK to a record-equalling 5th IPL title, MS Dhoni expressed his intention to diligently work and participate in IPL 2024. He emphasized the importance of persevering despite the physical demands, viewing it as a personal commitment to continue playing.

"Circumstantially, this is the best time to announce my retirement. But the amount of love I have received all over. The easy thing would be to walk away from here, but the harder thing would be working hard for 9 months and try to play another IPL. It would be a gift from me, won’t be easy on the body,” Dhoni had said.

Dhoni has amassed 5119 runs in 253 IPL matches, standing as the seventh-highest run scorer in the event's history. His impressive average of 39.07 and a strike rate of 136.32 reflect his batting prowess. He has recorded 24 half-centuries and a best score of 84*.

He will next be seen in action when the Chennai Super Kings take on the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Friday, April 5.

Also read: Adam Gilchrist makes a sensational revelation on MS Dhoni's future after IPL 2024