Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has said the forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season could be the last time fans see MS Dhoni playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Pathan remarked that Dhoni’s presence has always been central to the franchise. He added that imagining the team without him is difficult.
“CSK is incomplete without MS Dhoni. This season might be the last time we see him in the yellow jersey, and it’s tough to imagine CSK and the IPL without him. This season, Dhoni will play an important role in bringing everyone together. I’m not sure how many games he will play. But his presence in the dressing room will help a lot. Ruturaj Gaikwad is the leader. But as a group, two or three guys are being groomed for the future. That is where MS Dhoni comes in. I hope he makes a difference,” he further added.
Pathan also stated that CSK’s team management is expected to handle Dhoni’s participation carefully throughout the tournament.
Discussions about his fitness, batting role and the number of matches he may feature in are likely to continue.
Pathan suggested that the franchise would aim to give Dhoni a memorable farewell by attempting to secure a sixth IPL championship.
Dhoni remains one of the most iconic players in IPL history and has played a major role in shaping CSK’s success.
Under his captaincy, the franchise lifted the IPL trophy five times. It also became one of the most consistent teams in the competition.
CSK struggled in the previous season and finished at the bottom of the table with four victories in 14 matches. Dhoni’s overall record in the league, however, remains outstanding.
Across 278 matches and 242 innings, he has accumulated 5,439 runs at an average of 38.80 and a strike rate of 137.45. His record also includes 24 half-centuries, with an unbeaten 84 being his highest score.
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