‘This is the one tournament he needs to get up for’ - Kevin Pietersen's unique stance on MS Dhoni’s future in IPL

Former England batter Kevin Pietersen spoke on the possibility of legendary Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni continuing with the franchise in the next season of the IPL. While there is much speculation that the 16^th edition could potentially be his final season before calling time on his IPL career, Dhoni is yet to provide an official statement on the matter.

Notably, Dhoni did an emotional lap of honour at Chepauk following the final group phase match of the yellow outfit at the venue. Mesmerized by the scenes at the stadium, former cricketer Pietersen opined that the skipper should continue with the franchise regardless of his age. He further added that with the ‘Impact Player’ rule coming into the picture, Dhoni could still have a chance in the forthcoming seasons.

“I think everybody wants to keep going. With the Impact Player becoming more relevant now, I think he can. This is one tournament he needs to get up for. He can rest his body. If something is wrong with his knee, he can try and sort it out over the next couple of months. Why not? He is a fit guy, he is an athlete,” Pietersen told on Star Sports.

He just needs to be MS Dhoni: Pietersen

Following the match against KKR, numerous fans stayed back just to get a glimpse of the player in person. Awestruck by the love and affection towards the 41-year-old skipper, Pietersen lauded Dhoni for the human being he is off the field and added that he just needs to be himself in order to continue in the game.

"He must love this. Why would he want to give this away? He is under no pressure. He doesn't have to perform. He just needs to be MS Dhoni. And for his kids, for his wife, for his family, how amazing must this have been? Watching this lap of honour," he added.

"Look at the people who have stayed back to see, to try and touch him because of the person that he is. He is also an incredible human being away from the cricket field. These are wonderful scenes, hugely emotional seasons. This is such a fabulous gesture," Pietersen concluded.