"He will come back roaring for sure" - Robin Uthappa backs MS Dhoni to come back for IPL 2025

Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa has backed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni to come roaring back and play in the IPL next season after their ouster from the 2024 edition against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on May 18. In a virtual shootout for the final playoff spot, RCB came out on top in a thriller by 27 runs to book their place in the knockouts and eliminate CSK.

Dhoni was in terrific ball-striking form throughout the season but playing through a knee injury limited him from batting higher up in the order. Nevertheless, the 42-year-old finished with an average of 53.66 and a strike rate of 220.54 in 14 outings.

Following CSK's elimination from IPL 2024, Uthappa said on JioCinema about Dhoni's future:

"I don't think we have seen the last of MS. He is not someone who takes these things lightly. He will come back roaring for sure. Even with the narrative, I have seen him bat only in the last 4 or 5 overs, there is a reason for it. He had a calf injury which they initially thought perhaps was a niggle, but it was a little more grave than that. Because of that, he had to manage himself and often as he does, in international cricket and for CSK, he figured out a way to be useful and contribute to CSK."

The RCB clash was set up for Dhoni to pull off another one of his classic finishes in a run-chase. However, the talismanic cricketer fell in the final over for a valiant 25 off 13 deliveries with CSK needing 11 off 5 to qualify for the playoffs.

"MSD can roll out again for at least 1 or 2 more years" - Shane Watson

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson echoed Robin Uthappa's sentiments by stating his wish to see MS Dhoni continue playing for at least another one or two years in the IPL.

The 42-year-old relinquished the captaincy ahead of the IPL 2024 season to Ruturaj Gaikwad after leading the franchise to a joint record of five titles.

"He batted beautifully again. There is no doubt that he can fulfil a very important role for CSK, even if it's coming in and facing 13-15 balls each game and doing this. He played incredibly well. Fingers crossed, MSD can roll out again for at least one or two more years, fulfilling this role which is a little less demanding physically on him anyway," said Watson.

CSK finished the season with seven wins in 14 games to miss the playoffs for the third time in five seasons.

Dhoni's future will be a massive part of the franchise's off-season plans ahead of the Mega Auction later this year.