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'Ruturaj Gaikwad Needs One More Year...,' Suresh Raina Wants MS Dhoni To Play IPL 2025

Suresh Raina wants MS Dhoni to play IPL 2025 [X.com]Suresh Raina wants MS Dhoni to play IPL 2025 [X.com]

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina recently voiced his hopes for MS Dhoni, his long-time teammate and friend, to continue playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) beyond the 2024 season. 

Raina believes Dhoni's presence is crucial, not just for his on-field contributions but also for the mentorship he provides to the younger players, particularly to Ruturaj Gaikwad, who took over the captaincy of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2024.

Before the start of IPL 2024, CSK announced a significant change in leadership, with Ruturaj Gaikwad succeeding MS Dhoni as the team's captain. 

While Gaikwad has shown promise, Raina feels that he needs another year under Dhoni's guidance to fully grow into the role. 

"I want MS Dhoni to play in IPL 2025, considering how he batted last year. I feel Ruturaj Gaikwad needs one more year, the way he captained and a lot of things were said after the loss to RCB. However, Ruturaj has done a great job," Raina said.

Dhoni's potential future in upcoming IPL season

There has been speculation about MS Dhoni's retirement after IPL 2024, but no official announcement has been made. Dhoni himself has hinted that his future in the league depends on the upcoming IPL rules and regulations, particularly concerning player retention. Raina also emphasised  

“There is a lot of time for it. We have to see what decision they take on player retention etc. Right now, the ball is not in our court. So, once the rules and regulations get formalised, I will take a call, but it needs to be in the best interest of the team,” said Raina.

In the last IPL season, Dhoni played a pivotal role as a finisher, scoring 161 runs in 14 matches with a strike rate of 220.55. Despite CSK's fifth-place finish, his performance was a testament to his enduring skill and leadership.