Zaheer Khan predicts MS Dhoni will stick around with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for several more years.
Under Dhoni’s leadership, CSK won their fifth IPL title, equalling the record last year. The charismatic captain, hopeful and spirited, is out to repeat his success. This might be his ultimate season with the Chennai team.
During a Colors Cineplex discussion, Zaheer was asked how long he thinks Dhoni will play for the Chennai Super Kings.
“I feel you will see him on the field for a long time to come. You enjoy the game when you go away from the pressures of international cricket. The only challenge is how you prepare in the middle phase from IPL to IPL when you are away from cricket.”
Zaheer Khan
The former India bowler also stated that Dhoni is an inspirational leader who is psychologically and physically prepared for the forthcoming season.
“However, if you talk only about cricket and the way he is taking the team along, you see an inspiration walking on the ground, and you will want this journey to continue for many years to come. I met him recently. He was looking very fit and mentally fresh. He was looking forward to this season.”
Zaheer Khan
Dhoni scored 104 runs at an impressive strike rate of 182.45 and went undefeated in eight of his twelve innings in IPL 2023. He was hampered by a knee problem and had surgery following the competition.
Zaheer Khan lauds CSK’s squad stability as their key strength for IPL 2024
Zaheer Khan was also quizzed about the Chennai Super Kings’ strengths coming into the IPL 2024.
“They have an extremely settled squad. Chennai’s approach has been that you don’t see too many changes there. Shardul Thakur has come back now, who was a part of the Chennai Super Kings earlier as well. So he would know the team culture.”
Zaheer Khan
The cricketer-turned-commentator believes Rachin Ravindra will thrive at the top of the CSK order if Devon Conway is unavailable.
“If Devon Conway doesn’t take part in the initial stages or is not seen much in this IPL, Rachin Ravindra has that opportunity. We have seen a player only improve after coming into this atmosphere. The squad is settled and you can always expect good things from them.”
Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan remarked that the reigning champions had a wide range of seam-bowling possibilities. He said that they have a few spin-bowling all-rounders, including Maheesh Theeksana, the X-factor spinner.
