CSK's MS Dhoni likely to be part of the IPL 2025, but in a different role, reckons Matthew Hayden

CSK's MS Dhoni has once again kept an enigma around him and his decision relating to his retirement from all forms of cricket. Although, Dhoni hasn't himself announced anything yet, fans and experts fear that this will be his last swan-song in the IPL and he will no longer be seen in the same capacity in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

The cricket experts are engaged in the same sort of discussions as well as to whether this was MS Dhoni's last swan song or if will he come back in the IPL 2025.

Former Australian cricketer and renowned commentator, Matthew Hayden believes that the universe has seen the last of MS Dhoni in the yellow jersey as a player and he will no longer be in the same capacity in the side. However, he added that Dhoni could be roped into side the side as a mentor.

MS Dhoni's last IPL game, possibly, came against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The wicketkeeper batter scored 25 runs from 13 deliveries in the game and gave some hope to his team, but his side fell 27 runs short of the target.

?I think this is it. I do believe that this will be the last time that Dhoni will play. Certainly, won?t be the last time that we see Dhoni. I?d be very surprised if he doesn?t mentor or be a part of the family of CSK in an official capacity,? said Hayden on Star Sports Cricket Live.

Hayden, who has shared a cricket pitch alongside MS Dhoni, talked about the legacy which MS Dhoni has kept as the leader of the team for so many years.

?I suppose the thing is when you come to the end of your career, whether it is the last part of his career or not, what you don?t want to see is diminishing returns as an athlete. Firstly, as a leader, he is The Thala of the Chennai Super Kings. This is telling me that nothing here is about becoming anything else other than first place," he added.

Dhoni smashed 14 fours and 13 sixes during the IPL 2024 as he scored 161 runs at an impressive average of 53.66. In the final game against RCB, a few nights ago, Dhoni contributed with three boundaries and a six to take his side close to the total.

?He?s desperately using his brains, all of that cricket knowledge. And of course, the power is there and that?s always been MS Dhoni. He?s always hit balls at this stage of an innings. At the front, you can understand how players can hit it. But at the back, it?s really hard to hit balls,? Hayden added.

Interestingly, MS Dhoni has kept an enigma around him and his decisions. He has never been so outspoken when it came to inform about his future plans. His international retirement came as a shocker when he put out a social media post captioning, "Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout. From 1929 hrs consider me as Retired."

During the previous editions of the IPL, Dhoni used to be in the pre and post-match presentations and the broadcasters had the luxury to throw at him the question of his retirement, however, this time he had left the leadership prior to the start of the IPL season.

It remains to be seen what comes as a surprise from MS Dhoni shortly. It's very unlikely for MS to continue given his age and the muscle injury which he was carrying.

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