This year, Mahendra Singh Dhoni successfully led the team to victory in the IPL. However, there may be a change in Dhoni’s role next time. It is possible that Mahi will guide the team from the dugout of the Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming year.
At the end of the competition, Dhoni clarified that he is not retiring at the moment. He still has around 8-9 months to assess his physical condition and make a decision accordingly. It is understood that Dhoni might undergo knee treatment after the IPL concludes, as his knee’s condition is not optimal. Throughout the competition, he was frequently seen applying an ice pack to his left knee.
Dhoni’s captaincy played a crucial role in Chennai’s victory this time in the IPL. However, his batting performance was not as prominent. Despite hitting a few fours and sixes in some matches, Dhoni is not the same player he used to be. Considering his increasing age next year, it will be challenging for him to handle the pressure of playing throughout the entire season. Nevertheless, there is still a possibility of Dhoni continuing to be a part of the team.
This year, a new rule called the “impact cricketer” rule was introduced, allowing a player to participate in one half of the match and be replaced by another player in the second half. Dhoni’s primary role for Chennai is wicket-keeping, and he can continue to fulfill that role next year. He can play in the starting eleven when Chennai is bowling, but when it’s their turn to bat, someone else can replace him as the impact player. Dhoni will be present in the dugout in Chennai, where he can strategize and plan the batting order. This way, he doesn’t necessarily have to be on the field with his team.
In other words, Dhoni can carry out his responsibilities from the dugout without the need to bat. Instead, Chennai can bring in any domestic or foreign batsman to take his place. This approach was implemented by Chennai with players like Shivam Dubey and Ambati Rayudu in the current IPL season, and the same strategy could be applied to Dhoni next year.