Former India batter Mohammad Kaif believes there is no reason why Mahendra Singh Dhoni should not play in the next season of the IPL, given his form, fitness, and ability to play big shots with ease. Speculation has been rife that Dhoni, who has led CSK to five IPL titles, might have played his last IPL season. Despite undergoing surgery to treat a knee injury last year, the former CSK skipper scored 161 runs in 73 balls at a strike rate of 220.55 this season.
“Personally, I don’t think he’s done. He couldn’t win the game (last league match against RCB). In the last over after hitting a six, he got out. You could make out from his body language that he seemed very disappointed not winning the game for CSK,” Kaif, a cricket expert with Star Sports, told PTI Videos.
“Why should he not come back? He is fit, he is scoring runs, and hitting sixes. There’s no reason to stop playing… it’s up to him. We can’t say with Dhoni what’s his plan,” added Kaif, regarded as one of India’s greatest fielders.
The 43-year-old also praised Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Shreyas Iyer for his calm demeanor and leadership qualities, attributing the team’s success this year to his effective captaincy. Two-time IPL champions KKR entered their fourth final with a resounding eight-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 1, having topped the league stage with 20 points.
Kaif expressed his opinion that Iyer missed the entire IPL last year, and KKR likely missed his captaincy in 2023. He noted that Iyer looks very calm under pressure, changing the bowlers and selecting his playing XI. Kaif highlighted that in a tournament like the IPL, one must remain composed and aware of the game’s dynamics. He noted that Iyer has made significant progress as a captain.
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Experts also attribute KKR’s success this season to Gautam Gambhir’s return to the side as the team mentor. However, Kaif emphasized that the team’s superb run has much to do with Iyer’s marshaling of his boys on the field. “We always talk about (Gautam) Gambhir, but he can’t enter the field… in the rope with the players. Iyer has been there with the players and it will help him grow as a person and player. He missed out on the (T20) World Cup this year (beginning in the US and West Indies next month). However, it’s certainly great learning for him, captaining the team, and leading it to the finals. He has a great future ahead,” said Kaif.
Kaif believes KKR are the overwhelming favorites to lift the IPL trophy this season. This is due to their quality bowlers and balanced side—two essential ingredients for winning. “I think KKR is a very well-balanced side. A tournament-winning team has to have good bowlers, and KKR has got the bowlers. You saw how (Mitchell) Starc bowled against (SRH in Qualifier 1), it’s a balanced side. KKR has got all bases covered in terms of batting and bowling. They are the team to beat in IPL, they are way ahead.”
While the future of MS Dhoni in the IPL remains uncertain, Mohammad Kaif’s insights highlight the resilience and talent of seasoned players like Dhoni. Simultaneously, emerging leaders like Shreyas Iyer are proving their mettle, promising an exciting future for the IPL and international cricket. The IPL’s fascinating aspect lies in the balance between experience and new talent. Fans eagerly await the drama and excitement of the next season.
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