MS Dhoni (PTI Photo/R Senthilkumar) Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels that the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League could potentially be the last season in which legendary batsman MS Dhoni will feature in the famous yellow jersey of Chennai Super Kings.Talking about Dhoni’s immense value to the franchise, Pathan admitted that it is almost impossible to imagine CSK or even the IPL without the iconic former captain. He also emphasized that Dhoni’s influence goes far beyond what happens on the field.
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“CSK is not complete without MS Dhoni. This season might be the last time we see him in the yellow jersey and it’s hard to imagine CSK and the IPL without him. This season, Dhoni will play an important role in bringing everyone together. I’m not sure how many matches he will play. But his presence in the dressing room will help a lot. But the future three is the leader Ruturaj Gaikgroomed or three. That’s where MS Dhoni comes in. I hope he makes a difference,” said Pathan Jio Hotstar.Pathan further suggested that the CSK management could carefully manage Dhoni’s workload during the season, especially with the constant questions about his fitness and batting role. He also believes that the franchise would love to send off their stalwart in style and secure another championship.“Questions about his fitness, batting position and whether he will play all the matches will keep coming. The CSK team management will take it one step at a time. They will surely try to give him the perfect send-off by lifting his sixth IPL trophy,” he added.Despite stepping down as captain earlier, Dhoni remains one of the most influential figures in the CSK line-up and continues to be a key part of the leadership group. Under his captaincy, the franchise won five IPL titles and established itself as one of the most successful teams in the history of the tournament.However, CSK suffered disappointment last season. The five-time champions finished at the bottom of the points table, managing only four wins from 14 matches.Even so, Dhoni’s legacy remains elusive in the IPL. In 278 matches and 242 innings, he scored 5,439 runs at an average of 38.80 and a strike rate of 137.45. His record also includes 24 half-centuries, with an unbeaten 84 being his highest score in the competition.
