Suresh Raina’s unwavering faith in MS Dhoni’s cricketing prowess and leadership abilities was evident in a recent podcast interview. When asked who he would choose as his batting partner in a hypothetical scenario where his team needed 20 runs in the final over, Raina responded without hesitation: “MS Dhoni.”
Raina’s unwavering trust in Dhoni stems from their long-standing camaraderie as teammates in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Indian national team. Despite Dhoni’s recent retirement from international cricket, Raina believes that the legendary captain still has much to offer, particularly in mentoring the next generation of cricketers.
Dhoni’s decision to pass on the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024 signaled a transition within the team. However, Raina, who retired alongside Dhoni in 2020, believes that Dhoni should continue for one more season to guide Gaikwad and help him develop his leadership skills.
Raina’s faith in Dhoni’s abilities is not unfounded. Despite battling a knee injury during the last IPL season, Dhoni adapted to a finisher’s role, contributing crucial runs lower down the order. His 161 runs in 14 matches came at an astonishing strike rate of 220.25, proving that the “Thala” still has the ability to make a significant impact on the game.
As the IPL approaches its mega players’ auction for the 2025 season, Dhoni’s future remains uncertain. However, Dhoni has stated that he will wait to see the auction rules, particularly concerning player retention, before making a decision. “It needs to be in the best interest of the team (CSK),” Dhoni remarked.
Raina’s unwavering belief in Dhoni’s abilities and his desire for Dhoni to continue playing for one more season highlight the deep bond and respect between the two former teammates. Dhoni’s experience, leadership, and ability to adapt to different roles make him an invaluable asset to any team, and Raina’s unwavering support is a testament to the enduring legacy of one of cricket’s greatest captains.
