S Sreesanth believes that given MS Dhoni‘s current fitness and form for CSK in the 2024 IPL season, it’s unlikely to be his farewell season. Dhoni, at 42, stepped down as captain just before the season began, sparking speculation about whether IPL 2024 would be his farewell season. However, the veteran cricketer has shown remarkable agility behind the stumps and looked in sensational form during his brief batting stint for CSK against DC.
We are watching the MS Dhoni of the early 2000s- S Sreesanth
Despite CSK’s 20-run loss, MS Dhoni’s scintillating innings saw him score an unbeaten 37* off just 16 deliveries, including four boundaries and three sixes. When questioned by TOI in an interview about whether this season would mark MS Dhoni’s final one, Sreesanth responded,
“Everyone is saying and talking about MS Dhoni’s last year. The way he is playing, his fitness, his work behind the wickets, it doesn’t look like. He is looking much more prepared and fit this season. With his long hair back, it seems we are watching the Dhoni of the early 2000s,”
He added,
“I have seen him during the practice sessions too. He had those looks when he was about to play for India A. I am talking about 2002 and 2003. He is much fitter than before. We all spoke about him batting at number 4 or 5. I would love to see him bat on the top and take the opposition to the cleaners.”
Even while dealing with a knee injury, MS Dhoni led CSK to their fifth title last year. After the victory, he underwent surgery to regain full fitness.
He is not going to give his best in the IPL, he will be the best- Sreesanth on Rishabh Pant
Sreesanth praised DC skipper Rishabh Pant for embracing the challenge of leading the team while also handling responsibilities with the bat and behind the stumps. Pant, who has been out of competitive cricket since his car accident in December 2022, has impressed with his leadership and performance.
“I know Rishabh personally. He is a fighter and a great human being. When he was recovering, he looked very very focused. It is not easy to make a comeback like this and lead a side. He is not taking this IPL as a challenge. He is taking this IPL as an opportunity. We all are proud of him. He is not going to give his best in the IPL, he will be the best,” said Sreesanth.
After a couple of average innings, Rishabh Pant returned to his fluent best in DC’s third game against CSK, scoring a match-winning half-century. He continued his good form with another half-century against KKR, despite DC suffering a heavy defeat by 106 runs.