Irfan Pathan, the former Indian all-rounder, was of the opinion that MS Dhoni at his prime form of 2010-2011 would have asked the current version of himself to come back strongly in next year’s IPL with renewed fitness and performance levels and perform well both as captain and batsman.
Irfan Pathan and Ashish Nehra shared their thoughts while speaking in Star Sports about MS Dhoni making himself available to play for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the next edition of the IPL scheduled in 2021.
Irfan Pathan: MS Dhoni Will Associate With Chennai Till He Wants To Do So
Irfan Pathan observed that MS Dhoni will continue to remain associated with CSK till he wishes to do so.
“MS Dhoni will be associated with CSK till the time he wants.”
The Baroda all-rounder Irfan Pathan who played primarily as a pacer, disclosed his thoughts during the IPL were about what the MS Dhoni in his prime of 2010-11 would have said to the current captain of CSK.
“But if we talk about the next season alone, I was thinking in my mind after seeing MS Dhoni playing the entire season for CSK, what the captain MS Dhoni of 2010 or 2011 would be telling the MS Dhoni of 2020 in this situation.”
Irfan Pathan pointed out MS Dhoni will aspire to come to the next season of IPL with improved fitness and performances and is expected to do well.
“He would have said to come next year with better fitness and performance and it is clear that he will do that as well, that is the expectation.”
MS Dhoni had an average of only 25 and strike rate of 116.27 which is substandard since his career average is 40.99 and strike rate is 136.75, He retired on 15th August 2020 from international cricket just before the start of IPL 2020.
Ashish Nehra’s Views On MS Dhoni’s Continued Association With CSK
Ashish Nehra expressed his delight about CSK skipper wicket-keeper, MS Dhoni, revealing that he will continue to don the CSK jerseys in next year’s IPL. He hopes that the talismanic captain will continue to be associated with the franchise in some capacity or the other like a coach or mentor, even after retirement.
“It was great to hear that MS Dhoni will be playing for CSK next year. But once he stops playing, as no one can play for ever, we hope that he keeps associated to CSK.”
“If we see him in the dugout as a coach or as a mentor, it will be a very good thing but even if he manages the team from behind the stage, it will be very important for CSK.”
The former CSK player also pointed out that the positive end to their season after they won last 3 games will hold the franchise in good stead for the next season, with MS Dhoni himself saying that IPL 2021 is just a few months away.
“The way their season has ended, with wins in their last three encounters, they will take the confidence and we have heard from MS Dhoni as well that the next IPL is not that far away.”
While IPL 2020 is the first time in IPL history that the Chennai Super Kings have failed to qualify for the playoffs, MS Dhoni also did not have a great run with the bat this season scoring only 200 runs in 14 matches at a below-par average of 25. He would be hoping to come back with renewed enthusiasm next year and take CSK to their fourth IPL title.