Former India and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batsman Mohammad Kaif said there is no point in using ms dhoni As an influential player for his batting ability. Instead, Kaif believes that Dhoni's presence on the field behind the stumps will prove beneficial for captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Dhoni has batted mostly in the lower order in the last few editions of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Many fans and experts have urged the Chennai Super Kings management to promote the former Indian captain in the batting order.
“Now, many people are saying that he should play as an impact player. I completely disagree, and he won't even play as an impact player. It doesn't make any sense. He bats at number eight, and in that position, he may face only 6 to 12 balls. For those few balls, he is already used to holding the wicket for 20 overs, getting the helicopter view from the back, setting the field. And helping Gaikwad with the bowling changes. Whenever the team is under pressure, Gaikwad is involved. I think the real control is still with Dhoni,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
The 45-year-old mentioned that Dhoni does not play cricket outside the IPL, having retired from international cricket in 2020. Kaif said it would be far-fetched to expect the 44-year-old to score 30 runs in 10 consecutive balls, even though he may play such innings in some matches.
“So if you just use him as an impact player and ask him to just go and bat, it doesn't make any sense. He doesn't play cricket the whole year, so you can't expect the old Dhoni to come in and score 30 off 10 balls. It won't be consistent. Maybe in one or two games he can do it, like he did last year, but not regularly.”
I think that moment may actually come: Kaif on MS Dhoni's future
The cricketer-turned-commentator also said that IPL 2026 could be the last time Dhoni plays in the tournament before retiring.
“Look, every year we say the same thing, but this year I feel that moment can actually come. There are no guarantees in these things, and sometimes he does not show his cards. Mahendra Singh Dhoni never shows his cards. He waits till the last match to see which way things will go, no one really knows. Even CSK's KS Vishwanathan has often said that he does not know what Dhoni's plan is. Only he knows his plan. Will he play or No, no one knows whether he is available or not, what his plans are when he will stop or step down.”
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