Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni has ruled out any possibility of retiring from the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of the next season. The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman confirmed the news during the toss of the last match against Kings XI Punjab. The game was Chennai Super Kings’ final game of the season as they are already out of the playoffs race. This is the first time in the history of the IPL that Chennai Super Kings have failed to make it past the league stage.
With the way the tournament has panned out for CSK as well as MS Dhoni, there were murmurs that the former India skipper might retire from IPL after the ongoing season. In August, MS Dhoni had already announced his retirement from international cricket.
However, the legendary cricketer is in no mood to hang his boots in the IPL as he confirmed that he is not retiring after the ongoing season ends. MS Dhoni will lead CSK again when they look to bounce back next year after the disappointing campaign in UAE.
“Definitely not,” said MS Dhoni with a smile on his face when asked whether the game against KXIP could be his last in yellow.
As far as MS Dhoni’s performance in the ongoing season is concerned, he has scored exactly 200 runs in 13 games at an average of 25. He has faced criticism for his strike-rate in the tournament which is 116.27 far less than his career strike-rate of 136.75. Well, the legendary skipper would be looking to make amends when he dons the CSK jersey again next year.
We spoke to renowned Sports Astro Strategist cum Sports Advisor Hirav Shah to put forth his opinion on whether Dhoni should continue to be the captain of CSK or is the right time for him to retire.
MS Dhoni was born on 7 July 1981. His birth number is 7, ruled by Ketu. He is running 40th year.
1, 2, 7 are the favourable numbers for Birth number 7.
Hirav Shah says, “IPL 2020 has seen Chennai Super Kings and their ‘Dad’s Army’ been exposed in many departments. Injuries to key players like Ambati Rayudu and Dwayne Bravo, who are over 35 and close to 40 respectively, hampered the side at crucial times. With Shane Watson’s retirement and with the likes of Murali Vijay not contributing, there is a big void at the top. The main concern is MS Dhoni’s form.”
MS Dhoni’s lack of cricket exposed
“In terms of numbers for MS Dhoni in IPL 2020, this was his worst edition by a country mile. He hit less than 10 sixes, scored 200 runs in 14 games and his average was lower than 30 with a strike rate of just over 110. The performances showed. MS Dhoni’s lack of action in the last year showed. Having not even played cricket for one year, the rust and lack of consistency showed in his batting.”
“In IPL 2020, every team has found a way to crack MS Dhoni’s finishing blueprint. The old tactic of taking the game deep and trying to finish it off in a blaze is not going to work anymore. Ever since he started doing this consistently from 2013 onwards, teams have had seven years and multiple occasions to work out his mode of operation and in IPL 2020, they executed it well.”
“One wonders when will MS Dhoni get a chance for more cricket after IPL 2020. The coronavirus pandemic is still very active in India and reopening cricket activities in the country will be a challenge. If he does not get any cricket before IPL 2021, he might struggle as he did in IPL 2020 which might make this move questionable.”
Focus on youngsters
Hirav Shah says, “If Chennai Super Kings are to rebuild in IPL 2021, there has to change. MS Dhoni CANNOT bat lower down the order anymore. He has to assume the mantle of anchor-cum-finisher. With MS Dhoni nowadays taking time to build an innings, it makes sense for him to bat higher up the order, take his time, get his eye in and then blast off at the end.”
“Towards the end of the IPL, youngsters showed that a future can be built around them for Chennai Super Kings. Ruturaj Gaikwad showed his class with three consecutive fifties while Narayan Jagadeesan did impress with his technique. Shardul Thakur was also good with the ball while Sam Curran also showed his class. The common link between all these players – They are all young.”
Implementing sports strategy into the game, gives players and team a much-needed boost in confidence, as methods only ensure the game plan is a winning one.
Big Yes and agree with Dhoni’s decision and he should play till not only IPL 2021 but till IPL 2022 yes IPL 2922. And this Dhoni’s decision will lead CSK to a different level, predicts Sports Strategist Hirav Shah.
Strategically, CSK should rebuild their team with more young players and all-rounders, concludes Hirav Shah.
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