MS knows what he’s going to do: Eric Simons on Dhoni’s retirement

After Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 27 runs at the Chinnaswamy and qualified for the playoffs, CSK were not just out of the playoffs race. There was also a big chance that this might have been MS Dhoni’s last Indian Premier League (IPL) game. 

Dhoni, 42, retired from international cricket more than four years ago and mentioned last year that he wants to play one more season as a gift for his fans. Between the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Dhoni got his knee operated on and has been batting in the lower order during the death overs for CSK throughout the season. 

Despite less time in the middle, Dhoni scored 161 runs on just 73 balls at a strike rate of 220.6 - the highest ever in the history of IPL. He got out only thrice in 11 innings and hit 13 sixes, scoring a boundary every 2.7 balls on average. Even in the game against RCB on May 18, he scored 25 runs in 13 deliveries and took CSK within touching distance of the target. Just before getting out, he smashed a 110-metre six that went out of the ground. 

When asked about Dhoni at the press conference, Eric Simons, CSK’s bowling consultant, had immense praise for him. 

“There are so many memories of MS Dhoni. The knocks he plays get you out of trouble,” Simons said. 

“I was in the dugout and said it was incredible. We are in a situation with our backs against the wall, and he is at the wicket. You just don't stop believing he can win for you, so I think that is one of the things that he brings to the group: incredible self-belief. But he has a very simple structure and understanding of the game.”

When asked about the elephant in the room — Dhoni’s future — Simons put the onus on Dhoni but also highlighted how impressive he has been in the 2024 season despite his age. 

“I think anybody who wants to speculate about his future is crazy. MS knows what he is going to do,” Simons said. 

“I know that this year I have seen him hit the ball from the pre-tournament camp. So, he is playing extremely well, and he will make the decision. But he is a fantastic guy to be around."

Simons further went on to add about his experiences with Dhoni and his observations about the former Indian skipper and his interactions with youngsters. 

“He has been fantastic to witness from my days with India and now with CSK. He is an incredible cricketer and an incredible individual in terms of his understanding of cricket and life.”

“I think in many ways that what he passes on to [young] guys is incredible self-belief, never say die [attitude], and a simple understanding of the game of cricket, he can put it in simple words, and I think that is one of the best things about him.”

Dhoni revealed in an India Cements function last year that he wishes to end his IPL career at Chepauk. However, if he decided to hang his boots this year, his wish would remain unfulfilled as CSK exited the tournament before the playoffs stage.