Chennai Super Kings’ pace bowler, Deepak Chahar, has provided a positive update on MS Dhoni’s recovery from a knee injury, expressing confidence that the 42-year-old can continue playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for another 2 to 3 years. Dhoni, who led CSK to victory in the 2023 IPL, had earlier confirmed his return for the 2024 T20 tournament, delighting fans of the Super Kings.
The perennial question of MS Dhoni’s IPL retirement surfaces each season, but the veteran cricketer has consistently defied age-related concerns. Despite retiring from international cricket in August 2020, Dhoni has maintained his fitness and captained the Chennai Super Kings to IPL triumphs in 2021 and 2023, sharing the title of the most successful IPL captain with Rohit Sharma.
Dhoni’s commitment to his team was evident during the 2023 IPL, where he led CSK to their fifth title while managing a persistent injury. Following successful knee surgery in June, Dhoni underwent an extensive rehabilitation process with the aim of returning to full fitness for the 2024 IPL season.
IPL 2024: MS Dhoni can play for another 2-3 more seasons, says CSK pacer Deepak Chahar
Deepak Chahar, expressing optimism about Dhoni’s future, stated, “I think he has a lot to give to cricket. He can play for another 2-3 seasons. He has recovered well.” Chahar added that, for him personally, Dhoni should continue playing, acknowledging the captain’s crucial role in CSK and the team’s identity being closely associated with Dhoni.
The relationship between Chahar and Dhoni has evolved, with the fast bowler describing the former captain as his “elder brother.” Chahar credited Dhoni’s support during the 2018 IPL season, where he played all 14 games, as a pivotal moment that paved the way for his debut for the Indian national team later that year.
Reflecting on their bond, Chahar shared, “It took me 2-3 years to get comfortable around him. I see him as an elder brother, and I think he treats me as a younger brother.” The duo even engaged in off-field activities, playing PUBG together during the lockdown. Chahar expressed gratitude for the learning opportunities provided by Dhoni, emphasizing the pivotal role the veteran played in his career.
Currently recovering from personal reasons that led to his absence from the South Africa tour and the Afghanistan series, Chahar is determined to make a strong comeback in the IPL, with an eye on securing his spot in the T20 World Cup squad.
Also read: “He treats me like a…”: Deepak Chahar reveals why he always gets scolded by skipper MS Dhoni
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