Former Cricketer Urges MS Dhoni to Consider Retirement from IPL

Time for MS Dhoni to Rest, Says Joginder Sharma

Joginder Sharma, a former Indian cricketer and key player in the 2007 T20 World Cup victory, believes that MS Dhoni should contemplate retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Chennai Super Kings (CSK), a franchise known for its five championship titles and 12 playoff appearances, struggled significantly this season, failing to qualify for the playoffs. Following the injury of captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhoni stepped in to lead the team during this challenging phase.

As CSK's performance dwindled in the 18th season, discussions about Dhoni's future in the IPL intensified. Speculation about his retirement grew when his family attended a match at Chepauk against Delhi Capitals last month. Additionally, Dhoni's decision to bat lower in the order raised eyebrows, especially after head coach Stephen Fleming mentioned that Dhoni could not sustain full intensity for ten overs.

Joginder Sharma's Perspective on Dhoni's Future

Joginder, who played a pivotal role in Dhoni's T20 World Cup success, expressed that it might be time for the seasoned wicketkeeper to conclude his 18-year IPL career. He stated, "Given Mahi's current fitness, he should continue to assess his condition, but I feel it’s time for him to take a break."

Dhoni recently discussed his retirement plans after a match where he played a crucial role in CSK's victory over Kolkata Knight Riders. He mentioned that he would need to evaluate his physical condition over the next six to eight months.

"Once this IPL concludes, I must train hard for the next six to eight months to determine if my body can handle the demands. There's nothing definitive yet, but the support I've received has been incredible," he remarked during the post-match presentation.

MS Dhoni's Ongoing Battle with Knee Injury

Despite facing challenges, Dhoni achieved remarkable milestones in the 18th season, including playing in 400 T20 matches and becoming the oldest player to receive the Player of the Match award. He also holds the record for the most wins as a captain.

Throughout CSK's successful IPL 2023 campaign, Dhoni participated in every match, leading the team to their fifth title. However, he underwent knee surgery earlier this month to address an injury that had plagued him for much of the season.