END RETIREMENT TALK: CSK Captain MS Dhoni finds winning ways in adversity and leading by example

Wicket keepers have a long shelf life, provided their basic fitness is good. Watching MS Dhoni in the IPL 2025 has been an education. For those who wondered what use this 43-year-old will be, he continues to surprise all with his sharp brain, acumen, reflexes and how he reads the match situation. When Chennai Super Kings ran into trouble with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad being ruled out, Dhoni put his hand up. It was a challenge he took on, head long.

After one bad loss on return as captain, Dhoni made amends in plenty as he showed a shrewd brain to outfox Lucknow Super Giants in a key contest of the IPL 2025 in Lucknow on Monday. Dhoni does not worry about the opposition or the venue. He knows, there are two things he has to handle, own form and relevance and how to set an example. In an interview last week, Dhoni spoke of how a captain has to be in form and not be in the India side based on past reputation. It was a veiled reference to Rohit Sharma, whose lack of runs has becoming a topic of discussion, in Tests. As regards the IPL, the way the Mumbai Indians team works, an icon like Rohit cannot be dropped. What he did in the Sydney Test was his own decision to sit out. If there is a need, he will drop himself in the IPL as well, so that things do not become ugly between him and Hardik Pandya, in the MI team. However, Rohit Sharma would also do well to gain motivation from what Dhoni is doing as CSK captain.

Sample how Dhoni dealt with decision making while facing LSG. He had no hesitation in dropping R.Ashwin, out of form, and Devon Conway. Noor Ahmad, a left-arm wrist spinner was brought in and bowled with craft and handle the pressure. If people can just watch Dhoni in the field, there is so much to learn. Michael Clarke was on air and said Dhoni is still the best wicket-keeper in the world. That was not a profound statement but stating facts. On Monday, Dhoni got to 200 dismissals in the IPL, and the way he effected a stumping off Ravindra Jadeja showed high energy level and alertness. So, Dhoni can never be doubted for his glovework. Two seasons ago, he had issues with his knees. Surgery and rehab have worked wonders, which he does not talk of. Perhaps, that is the reason why he has been such an inspiration to Risbabh Pant, the LSG skipper.

For those who feel the IPL is only for youngsters, that is wrong. MS Dhoni will be 44 this year. As he said, CSK will not let go of him even if he on a stretcher. One Turf spoke to a few CSK fans in Chennai. “We love Thala Dhoni. One win is not enough, we will be hoping this run can continue and we can even make the Playoffs,” said Vishali. Fans like Vishali have one line to chant: CSK Forever. She is not the only one who thinks like this. As a messiah, Dhoni still offers hope to every CSK fan. But all that is not hyperbole, he is trying so hard to establish himself for the team. Sample the greatness when he was presented the Player Of The Match Award, Dhoni had played his part in three dismissals and scored 26 runs. Who on earth will refuse an award and say it should have gone to another player! Only Dhoni.

If you think everyone has decoded Dhoni, the new chapter is remarkable. Lead by example, show what it means to control the pattern of play and outthink the rival side. Dhoni is not going to complain about which players are not there. There are some teams in the IPL loaded with superstars but unable to deliver. Some other teams have younger fast bowlers who are struggling to stay fit.

Dhoni has shown that age is just a number and if he is going to play, it is with heart and soul. Whatever be the run of CSK in IPL 2025, he is going to be there in some capacity or the other. Hopefully, the Dhoni retirement debate will end. After all, he plays just the IPL as an uncapped player.