[Watch] "There was nothing in it for me" - MS Dhoni shares the reason behind batting at No. 8 in IPL 2024
Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni's batting position was a big talking point during the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The veteran wicketkeeper has now revealed the reason, as he batted at No. 8 in the tournament, leaving fans and experts puzzled.
Dhoni recently spoke about why Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube batted ahead of him in IPL 2024. He said with the 2024 T20 World Cup scheduled soon after the IPL, the CSK think tank wanted to give more opportunities to the players vying for a spot in the Indian team for the showpiece event.
Dhoni made these remarks while speaking at a recent event in Goa. He was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo:
"My thinking was simple, if others are doing their job well, why do I need to come up the order. If you're talking about last year (season) specifically, the T20 World Cup squad was going to be announced soon. So we have to give people who are fighting for a spot a chance. In our team (CSK), we had a few, [Ravindra] Jadeja was there, Shivam Dube was there, so you give them an opportunity to prove themselves to get into the Indian team. There was nothing in it for me, no selection and other things. So I'm good behind [playing down the order] and my team was happy with what I was doing."
Despite coming lower down the order, MS Dhoni entertained the viewers with his explosive cameos. The swashbuckling batter amassed 161 runs from 73 balls, finishing with a fantastic strike rate of 220.54.
Ahead of IPL 2024, Dhoni relinquished CSK captaincy, handing over the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad. The five-time champions narrowly missed out on a playoff spot, finishing fifth on the points table.
"I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I'm able to play" - MS Dhoni hints at returning to the field for IPL 2025
MS Dhoni's fans have been awaiting confirmation regarding the former India captain's availability for IPL 2025. Going by the 43-year-old's recent comments, a potential return seems likely.
Speaking at the aforementioned event, Dhoni said enjoying the game will remain his priority for the next few years before an eventual swansong. He was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo:
"I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I'm able to play. Like how during our childhood we used to go out and play at 4[pm], just enjoying the game. But when you play professional sport it becomes difficult to enjoy the game just like a game. So what I want to do is, there are emotions and commitments, but I want to enjoy the game for the next few years."
Meanwhile, as per the IPL retention rules, an Indian player who hasn't featured in international cricket in the last five years can be retained as an uncapped player. The reintroduction of the rule allows CSK to retain MS Dhoni for ₹4 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.