New Delhi: Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu believes MS Dhoni has more to offer in the IPL and advocates for the retention of the impact player rule to support the veteran cricketer’s continued presence in top-level cricket.
Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings exited this season’s Indian Premier League after a 27-run loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore in a highly anticipated southern derby in Bengaluru on Saturday.
Needing 17 runs in the final over to secure a playoff berth on net run rate, Chennai fell short despite Dhoni’s valiant efforts, including a massive six off bowler Yash Dayal. However, Dayal held his nerve, ensuring victory for RCB amid celebrations.
Speaking on Star Sports Cricket Live, Rayudu expressed confidence that Dhoni’s recent game was not his farewell, stating, “I don’t think this is his last game. I just don’t see him wanting to end on this note.”
Following the match, while RCB celebrated their sixth consecutive win to secure a playoff spot from the bottom of the table, Dhoni quietly exited the field after shaking hands with the opposition.
Reflecting on Dhoni’s demeanor, Rayudu remarked, “He looked a little frustrated, even when he got out. That’s very unlike MS Dhoni, he just wanted to qualify and finish on a high. But you never know with MS Dhoni, he might come back next year.”
Rayudu also urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to maintain the impact player rule, which allows players like Dhoni to make crucial contributions in the latter stages of matches.
“With the impact player role as well, it gives him the opportunity to be able to come in those last few overs and truly make that impact,” Rayudu emphasized. “BCCI better not remove the impact player role because we still want to see MS Dhoni play. So, it’s up to BCCI now. Do we want to see MS Dhoni play or not.”
Despite the disappointment for Dhoni and Chennai, Matthew Hayden, former Australian opener, praised Dhoni’s capabilities, noting, “He’s always hit balls at this stage of an innings.”
Dhoni’s innings of 25 runs off 13 balls, including three boundaries and a significant six, underscored his enduring ability to influence matches with his batting prowess.
