IPL 2023Would be extremely surprised if this is MS Dhoni’s last season, says Kevin Pietersen

By India Today Sports DeskFormer England skipper Kevin Pietersen said that he would be taken aback if MS Dhoni doesn’t take part in another edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). At the age of 41, Dhoni happens to be the oldest player in the ongoing IPL season and the only player above 40.

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Dhoni came into the IPL after last playing in the 2022 IPL. However, the fan following that he has garnered over the years hasn’t died down by any means. On Sunday, May 14, CSK played their last home match this season against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

After the game, Dhoni did a lap of honour where he also gave the legendary Sunil Gavaskar an autograph on his shirt. The stadium in Chennai remained packed as Dhoni acknowledged the crowd for their love and support over the years. Pietersen said that Dhoni has the potential to return for the 2024 edition as well.

“I was there for Dhoni’s lap of honour on Sunday, and it was incredible to see how the stadium stayed completely full.

“I’d be extremely surprised if this is his last season. I think this impact player rule actually helps him tremendously, where he can keep for 20 overs and bat wherever he wants to bat,” Pietersen wrote in his column for Betway.

“He makes the team better with the decisions he makes as a captain, and his keeping has been tremendous. It’s not like he takes a batting position up, because he tends to come in at seven, eight or nine to whack a few deliveries,” he stated.

“He’ll have the opportunity for eight or nine months of rest, sort his knee out, and get himself fit and ready for another season.

“I hope it’s not the last we see of Dhoni, and I know everybody in the country would want him to play another season,” Pietersen added.

Dhoni has also given glimpses of his very best with the bat in hand by clearing the boundaries with ease. In the meantime, after losing to the Knight Riders by six wickets, CSK are yet to advance to the IPL 2023 playoffs.