MS Dhoni should play for CSK for one more season; Gujarat Titans under Hardik Pandya can defend the IPL title: Suresh Raina | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Is IPL 2023 Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s final appearance in the Chennai Super Kings colours? Is he leading the four-time champions for the last time? These have been hot topics of discussion since Dhoni, ahead of the clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, mentioned that he is relishing the final stage of his career.
The debate took a backseat when former New Zealand cricketer and commentator Danny Morrison, during the toss between CSK and LSG, asked whether Dhoni is enjoying the fans’ support in his farewell year to which Dhoni came up with an epic reply.
“This wonderful swansong tour is your last, how are you enjoying it?” Morrison asked Dhoni.
Dhoni smiled and replied, “You’ve decided it is my last, not me.”

(Photo credit: BCCI/IPL)
Dhoni’s response in front of the jam-packed Lucknow crowd received a huge roar.
Former India cricketer and a good friend of Dhoni’s, Suresh Raina, feels the 2 time World Cup winning captain (2007 T20 WC and 2011 ODI WC) has a lot of cricket left in him and that he should play one more season for CSK.

(Photo credit: BCCI/IPL)
Raina, who is an IPL expert for JioCinema, spoke to select media, including TimesofIndia.com, in a virtual interaction. Raina, who was himself synonymous with the Chennai Super Kings franchise played 205 IPL matches and scored 5528 runs at an average of 32.52, including one century and 39 fifties. The southpaw also claimed 25 wickets in his IPL career.
Excerpts from the virtual mixed interaction with Suresh Raina…
Do you think MS Dhoni can still play another season of IPL? What was the conversation you had with him when you met him last?

When I met him recently Mahi bhai said he will win the trophy this year and will play the next season too (laughs). Dhoni bhai is looking good and he is batting really well. CSK’s team combination is very good. He should play some more seasons. After every CSK match, there is a ‘Dhoni ki paathshaala’. All players come together, speak with him and learn from him. Going by the time I have spent with him and the way I know him, he should play for one more year.

It’s kind of an open secret that Hardik Pandya is being groomed to be the next India limited overs captain, after Rohit Sharma. Your thoughts…
Hardik is leading from the front. He is a brave and fearless cricketer. I won’t be surprised if Gujarat Titans defend the title this season. They won last year and the way they are playing, the way Hardik is leading, I think GT can defend the title. He is a team and players’ captain. Whenever he enters the field, it looks like every single player wants to do well for him. Be it bowling, batting, fielding, or captaincy, Hardik has ticked all the boxes. He is using his players wisely. He has two mystery spinners – Noor and Rashid. He has used these two spinners amazingly well. Shami’s best performances have come under Hardik. Hardik will be the future captain for sure. He is our number one all-rounder right now. He has a brighter future ahead of him in terms of captaincy.

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Rohit is struggling with form this season of the IPL. With so much cricket coming up next should the MI skipper take a break to refresh himself?
He is leading the team really well. He is missing a death overs bowler in his team. He must be missing Bumrah right now. He has not been able to perform with the bat recently, but he is a class player. If Mumbai Indians win against RCB, they will be in the top four. Rohit needs to raise his game now. He needs to start believing in himself. He will come back to form very soon. Class is permanent. He just needs a game or two to come back to form.

(Photo credit: BCCI/IPL)
If LSG reach the knockouts, how much are they going to miss their star batter and captain KL Rahul?
LSG are going to miss KL Rahul in the tournament. It was very unfortunate. Krunal has impressed me with his captaincy. He rotates his bowlers well. KL Rahul won’t be part of IPL 2023 any more, but LSG have players who can fire on all cylinders. They have de Kock, Kyle Mayers, Krunal Pandya himself can bat really well, and Ayush Badoni is also there. If they can play Mark Wood, the balance will be there. LSG have nothing to worry about as such. Karun Nair has joined the side in KL Rahul’s absence. He is a class domestic player. He has done well for India. So, LSG are a well-balanced team.