Robin Uthappa reveals MS Dhoni's IPL future with 'wheelchair' bombshell
Published - 15 Mar 2024, 04:21 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:27 AM
Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa made interesting remarks on MS Dhoni’s tenure with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Robin Uthappa suggested that MS Dhoni might extend his IPL career with CSK if his knee issues don’t worsen.
Dhoni has been part of the Chennai Super Kings since the inception of the IPL in 2008. The 42-year-old cricketer led the team to a record-equaling fifth title in the previous season. The CSK team recorded a victory against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the final in Ahmedabad.
The Jharkhand-born cricketer underwent knee surgery after the conclusion of the IPL 2023. His struggles with his knee were evident in the previous season. The wicketkeeper-batter has been working hard to showcase his skills in this year’s prestigious tournament
CSK Would Let MS Dhoni Play – Robin Uthappa
Speaking on Jio Cinema’s Legends Lounge episode, Robin Uthappa remarked that CSK would allow MS Dhoni to play even if he was in a wheelchair. Uthappa suggested that Dhoni could extend his IPL career if his wicketkeeping remains unaffected.
“CSK would let him play even if he was on a wheelchair! Get off the wheelchair, bat, and then go back,” said Uthappa.
“I don’t think batting will ever be an issue for him. I think it’s the wicketkeeping. The knees are getting worn out and he loves ‘keeping. So because he won’t be able to stand there (in case he can’t keep wickets) and add value, he’ll probably move on from the game than for any other reason,” he added.
MS Dhoni boasts an impressive record as the league’s most successful captain, having led his teams to victory in 133 out of 226 games over his illustrious 16-year IPL career. Last season, he reached the milestone of captaining a franchise in over 200 matches.
He stands seventh in the list of highest run-scorers in IPL history, having scored 5,082 runs in 250 matches with an impressive average of 38.79 and a strike rate of 135.92. The right-handed batter has notched up 24 half-centuries, with his highest score being 84 runs.
MS Dhoni Writes His Own Script – Eoin Morgan
Former England captain Eoin Morgan expressed his belief that MS Dhoni will step aside once he feels he can no longer contribute effectively. Morgan emphasized that Dhoni prioritizes the franchise’s success over personal interests.
“He’s the type of guy that writes his own script. It’s a feeling thing, most likely for him. If his knees are as bad as Robbie (Uthappa) eludes, time is probably ticking because he wouldn’t want to outstay the position that he has put the franchise in simply because he’ll always want the franchise to succeed. He’s so generous with his time, with his respect, he’ll want somebody to come in and take over the mantle,” said Morgan.
The Yellow Army will kick off their 2024 IPL campaign with an intense clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at home on March 22. Following this, they are scheduled to compete in three more matches during the initial phase of the season.
Also read: “Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni aren’t even playing, they’re just walking..”- Jos Buttler
