‘He can continue playing for another five years’ – Yusuf Pathan opines on MS Dhoni’s future in IPL

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are all set to play their last league match of IPL 2023 against Delhi Capitals (DC) at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. CSK need a win desperately as it will mean that they will qualify for the playoffs and might even finish in the top two. Also, it is anticipated by many that it can be MS Dhoni’s last season in the Indian Premier League, which has resulted in fans supporting and turning up in huge numbers for supporting Dhoni-led CSK.

The talks about the veteran wicketkeeper’s retirement ignited even more when all the players were seen taking a lap of honor after CSK’s last home game, for thanking the fans for their continuous faith and support that they have shown in the team.

However, the former Indian captain has never made such revelations or any indications related to his retirement but fans are speculating about it considering Dhoni’s unexpected calls when his cricketing career is considered. Speaking on this point of view, former India all-rounder Yusuf Pathan came up with a whole different ideology about how can Dhoni continue playing.

Pathan feels that with the Impact Player rule being introduced, it will help the 41-year-old to sustain for another five years.

“In my opinion, Dhoni can continue playing for another five years because of the new Impact Player rule. He has said nothing about retirement, it's others who have been talking about it. He still has a lot of cricket left in him. He has hit big sixes in IPL, despite pain in his knees. So this shows his commitment towards the sport,” said Pathan while speaking to ESPNCricinfo. 

Dhoni-led CSK are presently placed in the second spot on the points table with 15 points to their name from 13 matches. The four time IPL champions will be taking on ninth-placed DC and would be expecting to win it comprehensively so that they can guarantee a top-two finish which will also mean that they will get to play Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans.