According to Pathan, Dhoni’s role in the CSK squad is expected to remain consistent with recent years.
“His role has changed in the past two years. He comes in lower-order, plays lesser deliveries but hits the big shots, the strike rate is high. It’s a small innings but a memorable one. I think there won’t be much of a change in that this year,” Pathan stated during an appearance on Star Sports.
Providing an update on Dhoni’s fitness, Pathan revealed, “I met with him a few days ago, he was playing pickleball for two hours non-stop. His knee was fit as it ever was. It’s an exciting time for fans; he now has his vintage old look. Will we get the vintage old Dhoni too?”
Dhoni, renowned for his leadership prowess, has guided CSK to 10 IPL finals, securing the title on five occasions, with the last triumph occurring in 2023. In addition to his captaincy achievements, Dhoni boasts impressive individual statistics, ranking seventh in the list of highest run-scorers in
IPL history with 5082 runs in 250 matches.
Recalling CSK’s memorable journey in the 2023 IPL season, Dhoni led the team into the final against the Gujarat Titans. Despite facing a daunting target of 214 set by the opposition, CSK emerged victorious with star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja‘s heroics in the final over.
Dhoni is poised to lead CSK in their IPL 2024 opener against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Friday at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
As anticipation builds for the IPL 2024 season, Irfan Pathan’s insights shed light on MS Dhoni’s role in the Chennai Super Kings squad and confirm the legendary captain’s fitness ahead of the tournament opener. With Dhoni’s vintage form and leadership acumen, CSK fans eagerly await the action-packed clashes in the upcoming edition of the IPL.