“I have a gut feeling, he’ll be done after this” – Wasim Akram on MS Dhoni’s future after CSK knocked out of IPL 2024 playoffs

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram reckons that MS Dhoni will bid adieu to all forms of cricket after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were knocked out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoff race. Akram feels that at 42, Dhoni is unlikely to continue playing as it takes a toll to maintain fitness standards for the entire year to play just two months of cricket. He, however, backed the legendary player to make his own call.

Akram was also quite vocal about Dhoni’s legacy. The 57-year-old said the biggest six of IPL 2024 (110-meter six) will only be a glimpse of his legendary career.

Akram told Sportskeeda’s ‘Match Ki Baat’:

“[On MS Dhoni’s future] I have a gut feeling, he’ll be done after this. Players like him come in a lifetime, it all depends on him.”

He continued:

“[On Memorable six] His legacy is not just that [110m] six, it’s something else. He’s done a lot for Indian cricket. He brought the mindset. As a captain, he brought calmness, played captaincy knocks, the way he became a finisher, the way he has groomed players, and showed consistency, so this will be his legacy.

"But, yes, for fans the last image will be that 110-metre six at his age, it’s incredible fitness. It will only be a glimpse of his legacy.”

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“I think this is it” – Matthew Hayden echoes similar sentiments with Wasim Akram regarding MS Dhoni’s future

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player Matthew Hayden also believes that MS Dhoni is unlikely to play in the next IPL season. He feels that Dhoni will return to the side as a mentor:

Speaking to Star Sports, Hayden said:

“I think this is it. I do believe that this will be the last time that Dhoni will play. Certainly, won’t be the last time that we see Dhoni. I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t mentor or be a part of the family of CSK in an official capacity.”

As a player, Dhoni has 5243 runs in 264 IPL matches, including 24 half-centuries. He has led the Super Kings to five IPL trophies.