Chennai, Apr 5 (UNI) As speculation continues to swirl over M S Dhoni's potential retirement from the IPL, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming has weighed in on the matter, offering little clarity.
"No, that's not my role to put an end to it. I have no idea. I'm just enjoying working with him still. He's still going strong. I don't even ask these days. You are the ones who ask," Fleming told reporters in post-match press conference here on Saturday.
The buzz around Dhoni's IPL retirement has reached a fever pitch, particularly after his parents attended an IPL game for the first time, fuelling further speculation that the iconic cricketer could soon announce his departure from the sport. Fans are holding their breath, waiting for a sign as the 2025 IPL season continues.
Dhoni's recent batting performances have come under close scrutiny, especially during CSK's chase of 184 against Delhi Capitals today. The team needed 110 runs from just over nine overs when Dhoni walked to the crease. However, his partnership with Vijay Shankar only yielded 84 runs from 56 balls.
While Shankar's steady knock of 69 off 54 balls remained unbeaten, Dhoni's contribution of 30 runs from 26 balls has been met with criticism. With a strike rate of just 115.38, fans had hoped for a vintage Dhoni performance, but it fell short of expectations, particularly in comparison to Shankar's strike rate of 127.78.
CSK’s overall performance has also raised concerns, as they currently sit at the bottom of the points table with only one win from their first four matches. If the losing streak continues, their hopes of securing a playoff spot could be in jeopardy.
Looking ahead, the five-time IPL champions face a challenging schedule, with their next match against Punjab Kings in Chandigarh on April eight, followed by a home game against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 11, and another away fixture against Lucknow on April 14. Their highly anticipated clash against Mumbai Indians is set for April 20, away from home.
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