Former Bengal cricketer Shreevats Goswami, a member of India's U19 World Cup-winning team in 2008, believes that MS Dhoni still has much to contribute and should not retire from the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2025. Discussions regarding the wicketkeeper-batter's future have intensified following the Chennai Super Kings' disappointing performance in the current 18th season of the lucrative league.

The speculation surrounding Dhoni's career gained momentum on Saturday afternoon when his parents were seen attending the match between the Chennai Super Kings and the Delhi Capitals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

In the match against the Delhi Capitals, the 43-year-old Dhoni scored an unbeaten 30 runs off 26 balls. However, he was unable to lead the five-time champions to victory, resulting in the franchise's third consecutive loss.

Goswami suggested that the Chennai Super Kings consider utilizing a player like Shivam Dube as a finisher to alleviate some of the pressure on MS Dhoni. He emphasized that the "brand Dhoni" remains strong, indicating that the former Indian captain should not contemplate retirement at this time.

"The fans are not ready to say goodbye, but what about Dhoni? This is just my perspective. Honestly, I believe it is beyond our expertise as former players to advise Dhoni on retirement. He already stepped back from international cricket in 2020. The IPL encompasses more than just the sport; it involves entertainment, economics, and significant business for the franchises," Goswami expressed on X (formerly Twitter).

"Moreover, let's be honest, the brand Dhoni is still thriving. Fans admire him not only for his cricketing prowess but also for his leadership and the strong bond he shares with people. Is the team's struggle solely due to Dhoni's batting performance? Not entirely, but perhaps to some extent. CSK appears to be lacking in finishing capabilities, so it might be worth experimenting with someone like Shivam Dube in that position," he added.

'Players will miss him more than fans'

The former Bengal cricketer recounted a memorable experience from a match between Bengal and Jharkhand, highlighting a piece of advice from Dhoni that has remained with him. He emphasized that young players in the IPL will feel Dhoni's absence more acutely than the fans.

"The only opportunity I had to converse with him was during the Vijay Hazare Trophy semi-final when Bengal faced Jharkhand. I distinctly remember his words: 'Nobody has seen form. It's something within. Sometimes, you can pretend to be in form through your body language. It only takes one solid hit from the middle of the bat to truly regain that feeling.' That statement has resonated with me ever since," Goswami remarked.

"This is why many young cricketers approach him for guidance after each match. Players will miss him more than the fans do. Bowlers still feel a greater sense of assurance with him behind the stumps. We want him to remain involved; we still want to see him on the field. While CSK's current performance may seem to defy conventional cricket logic, teams have made comebacks in the past, and CSK could do the same," he continued.

The batting position of MS Dhoni in the 2025 IPL season has sparked considerable discussion. In the match against RCB, he came in to bat at No. 9, while he batted at No. 7 against the Rajasthan Royals and Delhi.

Dhoni has faced challenges against spin bowling and appears to be a shadow of his former self. However, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming has stated that the World Cup-winning captain is still performing well and has dismissed any rumors regarding his retirement.

Read Also: Captain Clutch! Chhetri’s Last-Minute Heroics Power Bengaluru into ISL Final

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!