IPL 2024: IPL is going to start from March 22 and all the teams are gearing up to take the field, in such a situation, former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan has given a big statement for Dhoni, who is almost playing his last season for Chennai. Zaheer Khan said that cricket is important for Mahendra Singh Dhoni but not ‘everything’ and Dhoni had understood this long ago. Two-time World Cup winning captain Dhoni will take charge of Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League at the age of 42. Dhoni had said goodbye to international cricket four years ago.
Zaheer said in an episode on Dhoni on Jio Cinema, “MS Dhoni (MS Dhoni IPL 2024) had understood long ago that he has a passion for cricket and it is an important part of his life but this is not all.” Apart from helping India win the T20 and ODI World Cups and reach number one in the Test rankings, Dhoni has also led CSK to five IPL titles. He is the captain of CSK since the first season in 2008.
Zaheer said, “When you are playing, it is very important to switch off from the game. Cricket is not everything. Every cricketer has to face this.” He said, ”When you are away from the game, there are not many options. We have seen many players struggle after retirement because they give their all to the game and when they are separated from the game, they do not know what to do.
Zaheer said, “Dhoni keeps doing things outside sports also. For example, he is fond of bikes and keeps researching on them. Regarding Dhoni, former India and CSK all-rounder Suresh Raina said that he wants Dhoni to play IPL for the next five years. He said, “The biggest question is who will be their next captain.” Even if Dhoni leaves the captaincy, he will remain in the dugout as a mental strength coach or just like that. But the question is, who will he prepare as captain? He said, “This year is important for CSK. Who is MS eyeing? Ruturaj Gaikwad is a good option. This year is more important for CSK than Dhoni. I want him to play for five years or at least two or three more years.