IPL 2019: 3 reasons why MS Dhoni should not retire before next season

Chennai Super Kings faced a disappointing loss against Mumbai Indians by just one run in the final of 2019 Indian Premier League. To a team that was looking set to dominate the next few seasons, the loss comes a crushing blow.

CSK often cites the experience of their players as a key reason for unparalleled success in 2018. However, they fell one inch short this season. There is a bit of skepticism surrounding their future as most of their players are aging and nearing retirement.

MS Dhoni as a captain had been the main reason for CSK to reach the playoffs every year and win the title thrice. It's unsure at this point whether he would play the next season or not.

As he is nearing an International retirement at some stage after the World Cup, people assume that he might retire from IPL as well. However, Dhoni should not retire at the moment. Here are the reasons behind why he should continue playing for the men in yellow

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#3 Dhoni is still at the top of his game

MSD is still lightning quick behind the stumps (Image Courtesy: BCCI/IPLT20.COM)

In cricket, there is no reason for legendary players to retire when their performance is consistent and MS Dhoni has done so this year. The captain defied his age and accomplished certain things that are normally difficult for a person nearing the end of his career.

The 37-year old was excellent both with the bat and behind the stumps. Dhoni ended the season as CSK's top run scorer with 416 runs in 12 innings and also the highest average of 83.20.

It is too early to say whether the former Indian captain would retain the same form next year. However, as they say, 'form is temporary and class is permanent'. Thus, there is no reason to believe he will not contribute with bat or gloves next season.

If only the middle order steps up and supports Dhoni more than they did this year; he will be able to finish games from more comfortable positions.

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#2 The team isn't ready for a future without MS Dhoni

Only Dhoni could provide a smooth transition from present to future (Image Courtesy: BCCI/IPLT20.COM)

An important point of concern for CSK without MS Dhoni would be about a successful transition into the future. Most of the core players don't have age on their side to carry the heavy burden for long.

There would be a mass exodus at some point. However, until it happens, the veterans need Dhoni to lead them. The franchise is not in the right shape to be captained by a young captain at the moment.

Dhoni is a master strategist who reads the game and plans accordingly. The old guns work flawlessly at his disposal primarily due to his adept way of using them.

As the team has to undergo a big transition sooner or later, most of the younger players would be getting their chances soon.

In that case, they need Dhoni as a leader to conduct the necessary experiments with the likes of Dhruv Shorey, Narayan Jagadeesan, Monu Kumar and Ruturaj Gaikwad to usher in the next generation of players.

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#1 No immediate long term replacement for Dhoni

Sam Billings might succeed Dhoni as a wicketkeeper in the future (Image Courtesy: BCCI/IPLT20.COM)

There are three wicket-keepers in the CSK squad who could replace MS Dhoni but none of them are as good as him behind the stumps. Firstly, Narayan Jagadeesan hasn't played a match despite being with them for two years.

Ambati Rayudu has been struggling to find form this season. It would not surprise many if he is released by them ahead of next season. Sam Billings looks like a decent option to replace Dhoni as the wicketkeeping batsman. However, his keeping still needs to be tested.

There is also a lack of consistent batsmen around him. Dhoni was the only consistent runscorer for CSK in 2019. He was their highest run-scorer this season and his batting at death overs was the saving grace for the franchise on many occasions.

Thus, the captain along with the management should wait for a while before making the big decision. His usage should gradually be minimized before his walk into the sunset. An abrupt retirement might not be the best decision for the three-time champions.

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