MS Dhoni’s childhood coach Keshav Banerjee opines that the CSK star passed on the baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad as he thought it was the right time. Dhoni pulled off a surprise move just one day before IPL 2024 got underway. Young Gaikwad, who was roped in to the side in 2018, is the new CSK skipper in place of MSD.
MS Dhoni’s IPL future ft. his childhood coach
Speaking to MyKhel.com, Banerjee notes that while MS Dhoni is unpredictable, he can play for two more years if he keeps his fitness and his body permits. He acknowledges the fact that IPL during the Indian summer is taxing for the players. However, Banerjee adds that it will be difficult to guess Dhoni’s decision as he takes it subtly.
“IPL in Indian summer is highly physically demanding because of the temperature. He is very unpredictable and we don’t know what will happen next year. But if he can keep his fitness and his body permits, he can play for the next one or two years. But all of the things depend on Dhoni himself. He will take the decision and he takes it so subtly. He is very difficult to guess,” Banerjee said.
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Dhoni’s coach on leaving CSK captaincy
Banerjee feels that Dhoni knew he had to pass the baton to the next person who could carry forward the team in the future. Pointing out that MSD will always be with CSK and will hone the role of a coach after leaving cricket, Banerjee notes that it was essential for Dhoni to find someone who could take his place.
“Although Ruturaj Gaikwad is the official captain, you could see all the movements and placing being done by Dhoni. It is a huge learning process for Gaikwad with Dhoni by his side. This is the way a new captain becomes,” he added.
‘Age is just a number’ for MS Dhoni
“Age is just a number. After the IPL last year, the way he treated his injury, the way he rehabilitated and then got back to full fitness – this kind of dedication at this age is beyond belief. He is also keeping wickets, so you can see he is still fit,” MS Dhoni’s childhood coach adds.
