‘He could definitely play again next year’ – Moeen Ali believes MS Dhoni could continue playing IPL despite age factor

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Moeen Ali believes skipper MS Dhoni could continue playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) next season. Notably, there is much speculation on the 16^th edition of the top-tier league being Dhoni’s final stint as a player.

The 41-year-old CSK skipper displayed glimpses of his lethal hitting prowess while being up against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday, April 12. Dhoni nearly took his side to the finish line after he hammered a 17-ball 32, which included three maximums and one four, respectively. Contrary to the retirement speculations, teammate Moeen Ali opined that Dhoni could still continue playing next season in the league.

"He could definitely play again next year. The way he's playing, I don't think it'll be his batting that stops him from playing, even if it's in two, three years' time. I wasn't surprised at how he played [against Rajasthan],” Moeen was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

“I've been watching him in the nets, and he's been batting unbelievably well. It's just amazing to see from somebody at that age. It's not easy when you come in so late - people forget that a lot of the time, but that's what makes him so good at his role,” he added.

Moeen highlights the difference between Eoin Morgan and MS Dhoni

Moeen has shared the dressing room with one of the finest English cricketers, Eoin Morgan and also been fortunate to be working with Dhoni in the IPL. The two former skippers have relished an illustrious career as Dhoni clinched the 2011 ODI World Cup, 2007 T20 World Cup, and the Champions Trophy in 2013, whereas, Morgan guided England to lift their maiden ODI World Cup in 2019. With this, the CSK left-handed batter outlined the main difference in Dhoni’s and Morgan’s captaincy.

"They're very similar in how clear and calm they are, but also very different. Their interests and all that are very different. The biggest difference? MS (Dhoni) does most of his captaincy on gut feel, on the day. It could be a bit like that with Morgs (Eoin Morgan) too, but he was also very data-driven. But they're both so calm. In terms of mannerisms, they are very, very, very similar,” he added.