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Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) opener Chris Gayle doesn’t want Chennai Super Kings (CSK) wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni to retire from the Indian Premier League (IPL). Dhoni, who has guided the Yellow Army to five trophy wins under his captaincy, is currently serving the side as a stumper-batter. In this season, formers of the sport are raising questions on Dhoni’s role in the Super Kings after the 43-year-old came to bat at number nine against RCB at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on March 28, 2025. Chennai lost the game by 50 runs and Dhoni’s demotion in the batting order became the talking point.
On social media, netizen also slammed the CSK veteran for coming out late to bat and they also advised him to retire from the league. However, Gayle doesn’t believe Dhoni should bid adieu to IPL as his name brings a great value to the distinguished tournament that no other player could ever add. The Caribbean international also added that judging Dhoni on the result of just two games isn’t fair.
“With Dhoni, he brings a lot of value to the IPL. You want to see him as long as possible and want him to stay. You don’t want to push him. When you start to hear that noise, people are going to send a wrong message to such a great player and a great person. You don’t want to send such a message to a guy like Dhoni because he brings so much value in IPL,” said Gayle in an interview to InsideSport.
Dhoni’s retirement could affect CSK negatively, claims Gayle
Gayle claimed Dhoni’s IPL retirement can result in CSK’s decline in terms of brand value. The former left-handed batter also believes that the evolution of CSK happened due to Dhoni’s unprecedented popularity. “For someone who has won the championship so many times, if he goes from the IPL, it will take a little bit of drop. What he has done for his franchise it is fantastic. Wherever CSK plays in India, it is all about the Whistle Podu. That is the power and that is what he brings to the IPL,” said Gayle.
CSK haven’t looked great thus far in the ongoing competition, winning only one game off three matches. They are currently in the seventh spot on the points tally. Chennai will host Delhi Capitals (DC) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on April 4.
