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STUMP VISION APRIL 04, 2025 | The Indian Eye 42

IPL 2025

Still going strong at 43, MS Dhoni maintains his

role as finisher as he eyes the all-time record

Former Indian captain and wicketkeeper/batter has expressed his gratitude for the

immense love he has received from Indian Premier League fans over the years

OUR BUREAU
Chennai
M
S Dhoni is just 19 runs away from be-
coming the franchise’s all-time leading
run-scorer in the IPL. Suresh Raina holds
the record with 4,687 runs. Dhoni, still performing
admirably at 43, occupies a crucial position within
the five-time champions’ structure. He has main-
tained his role as a finisher for Chennai. The expe-
rienced wicketkeeper steps in to bat for a few overs,
showcasing his explosive batting capabilities.
The former Indian captain, who often gets role
of finisher in IPL matches for his team Chennai
Super Kings, has said that he tries to get extra runs
with every shot. “When you go in to bat, you look
at the scoreboard-- what the team needs from you.
If you are going to face 4-5 deliveries, you try to hit
as many big shots as you can. At that moment, the
thought process is only about hitting a six. You hard-
ly plan for a four, especially if you have wickets in
hand. A four becomes a by-product--you are always
looking for a six.” MS Dhoni told Jio Hostar.
“With God’s grace, I have been able to score so
many runs in the last few deliveries because every
run counts in a high-scoring game. That extra two
runs really matters if you’re getting a six instead of
a four. That’s what I keep telling the bowlers--’You
may get hit for four boundaries, but if you bowl the
sixth delivery as a dot ball, it could actually help us
win the game.’ So, that is something the bowlers Chennai Super Kings MS Dhoni during the Indian Premier League 2025 match against Mumbai Indians, at MA Chidambaram
need to believe. The same applies to the batsmen-
-have that belief, have that confidence that you’ll be Stadium in Chennai (ANI)
able to achieve it,” the wicketkeeper-batter added.
Former Indian captain and wicketkeeper/batter where fans eagerly support individual players even conditions and comfort level of players.
MS Dhoni has expressed his gratitude for the im- when playing against their favourite teams. Notably, the impact player rule has attracted
mense love he has received from Indian Premier “Especially when you play a sport, what you a variety of opinions. While it has been hailed by
League fans over the years. Speaking on JioHotstar, want is the fans’ appreciation. And when it comes many for helping teams be more flexible with their
“It’s a big thank you to all my fans.” to cricket, India is the place to play. Being part of combinations and get the best talent possible during
He also said, “Last few years I’ve been in, and the Indian cricket team is one of the biggest things. a particular match situation, it has been criticised for
I will be playing. It’s a way of them saying, ‘Thank I’m not playing international cricket, so IPL is the hampering the growth of all-rounders due to the rise
you very much for whatever you have done,’ and it’s next best thing to happen. Whenever you walk in, of usage of specialist batters/bowlers and for making
amazing,” MS Dhoni said on JioHotstar. everybody is very excited, they’re waiting for you, the games too high-scoring and batter friendly.
“I have always said it’s a big ‘thank you’ from they want you to do well--even at times when you’re Speaking about the rule at the ‘The MSD Expe-
the fans’ side. That’s what I believe. Whatever last playing against the team that they want to win, but rience’ on JioHotstar, Dhoni said that when it was
few years I’m in and will be playing, it’s a way of they still want you to perform, contribute a bit, what- brought in 2023, it was not really needed. He also said
them saying, ‘Thank you very much for whatever ever it may be. It’s an amazing feeling.” he added. that the rule helps him and does not at the same time.
you have done,’ and it’s amazing.” MS Dhoni said The CSK wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni also “When this rule was implemented, I felt it was
while speaking on JioHotstar. expressed his take on the Impact Player rule, which not really needed at that time. In a way, it helps me,
MS Dhoni emphasizes the immense value of allows teams to utilise one extra player during the but at the same time, it doesn’t. I still do my wicket-
fan appreciation in cricket, especially in India. He game, and said that the high-scoring games are not keeping, so I am not an impact player. I have to be
highlights the unique thrill of playing in the IPL, a direct result of this but has more to do with the involved in the game,” he said.

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