Suresh Raina anticipates that MS Dhoni will once again deliver spectacular performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. The former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player is confident that the 43-year-old icon still possesses significant skills, especially in the finisher's role, and he believes Dhoni will have a substantial impact on the five-time champions.

After a recent meeting with Dhoni, Raina provided insights into the veteran wicketkeeper-batter's preparations for the upcoming season. He noted that Dhoni remains as dedicated as ever, ensuring he is in peak condition ahead of the tournament's commencement on March 22.

“Last year, he hit numerous sixes. He appears very strong and is extremely determined to excel for CSK. The team looks robust from positions one to six. I believe he has two or three more years left. This year, we can expect to see Thala’s helicopter shots again,” Raina stated in an interview.

Raina highlighted Dhoni’s commitment to pre-season training, recalling how the CSK veteran has consistently prioritized intense preparation over commercial engagements.

“I will share a little secret. While many discuss his fitness, wicketkeeping, and captaincy, few recognize the power he generates from his bat lift. He has always stressed the importance of arriving in Chennai a month before the season starts.

“When I played for India and CSK, we ensured that we cancelled any shoots to train in Chennai. We practised batting for three hours daily. Each week, we would train for four to five days, and on the remaining days, we would simulate match conditions. On those challenging pitches, we faced spinners,” Raina elaborated.

Dhoni's role as a finisher is expected to persist in IPL 2025. Despite limited time at the crease, he amassed 161 runs in 11 innings with an impressive strike rate of 220.54. His ability to hit boundaries in the latter stages of the innings was vital for CSK, and Raina anticipates a similar performance this year.

Raina is on CSK this season

In addition to discussing Dhoni, Raina highlighted the impressive spin-bowling lineup of CSK, specifically mentioning the trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Noor Ahmad.

“Jadeja has secured a Champions Trophy victory. Ashwin, being a local talent, will receive significant support from the Chennai fans. He is eager to conclude his time with CSK on a high note. His strong character allows him to bowl effectively during both the powerplay and the middle overs. Alongside him, Jadeja and Noor Ahmad provide 12 overs of exceptional spin bowling,” Raina stated.

The Chennai Super Kings are set to begin their IPL 2025 season with a highly anticipated match against their long-time rivals, the Mumbai Indians, at Chepauk on March 23.

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