"MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will play in next year's IPL"- Former Australian captain makes big statement after end of IPL 2025

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke expects MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play in the IPL next year. The 44-year-old also said that Dhoni was the king of his franchise, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and everyone, from sponsors to fans, wanted to see him play.

Clarke felt that if and when the five-time IPL-winning captain did decide to retire, it would be a big loss for CSK

"I think MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will play in next year's IPL. MS Dhoni is massive. Every time Chennai plays, even in away games, there are more Chennai fans than any other fan. Sponsors, they are there because of MS Dhoni. The fans, they are there because of MS Dhoni.

"He is the king of that franchise. They want him to keep playing and I dont think people realise the impact. When he decides to retire, it will be a huge loss to the franchise," Clarke said on Beyond23 Cricket Podcast.

Following CSK's final league phase match of IPL 2025, Dhoni had neither confirmed nor denied the possibility of his return to play IPL 2026. He had said he had 4-5 months to make a decision and was in no hurry to take that call.

Michael Clarke believes Impact Player rule is not helping Indian cricket

One of the major changes in the IPL in the last few years has been the introduction of the Impact Player rule. Michael Clarke felt that the rule was great for the league, but it was not helping Indian cricket.

"The impact player will stay. I don't think the rule helps Indian cricket. It is great for the tournament. You don't do it in the international level. With regards to the IPL, they'll keep the impact player in" Clarke said.

Clarke joined many present and past cricketers like Marcus Stoinis and Rahul Dravid, who have not been in favor of the rule in the IPL.

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