Chris Gayle Defends MS Dhoni Amid Retirement Speculations, Says ‘Don’t Push Him’

West Indies cricket legend Chris Gayle has come to the defense of MS Dhoni after the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain faced growing criticism for his role in IPL 2025. Dhoni’s recent batting position at No. 9 in a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) sparked debate, leading some to question his future in the league. However, Gayle issued a strong statement, urging critics to respect Dhoni’s contributions and not pressure him into retirement.

Chris Gayle’s Warning to Critics

Speaking to InsideSport, Gayle emphasized that Dhoni remains an invaluable asset to the Indian Premier League (IPL) and should not be written off.

“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,” Gayle said.

Gayle also highlighted that Dhoni’s presence in the league is a significant factor in IPL’s popularity and that calls for his retirement should not be rushed.

Dhoni’s Role in CSK and IPL 2025

During CSK’s match against RCB, Dhoni walked in at No. 9 and played a quickfire 30* off 16 balls, showcasing his finishing ability. However, the unusual batting position raised concerns among fans and experts. CSK head coach Stephen Fleming later clarified that Dhoni is managing a knee issue, which has influenced his batting order.

Despite this explanation, speculation around Dhoni’s future has intensified. Some critics argue that CSK should start planning beyond the former India captain. However, Gayle dismissed these opinions, reiterating that Dhoni’s wicketkeeping remains sharp and his impact extends beyond just batting.

“His wicketkeeping is still one of the best, he is still very sharp. It is about how he plays for the team and how they are going to use him. Everybody wants to see Dhoni. So, it doesn’t matter where he bats for me, even at number 11, as long as people get a glimpse of Dhoni,” Gayle added.

‘If Dhoni Goes, IPL Will Lose Value’ – Gayle

Gayle further warned that if Dhoni decides to retire, IPL as a whole—not just CSK—could feel the impact.

“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 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,” he said.

Over the years, Dhoni has been the face of CSK, leading them to five IPL titles and establishing a strong fanbase across India. Even after stepping down as captain, he continues to be the backbone of the team with his leadership, experience, and tactical knowledge.

Ravindra Jadeja’s Message of Hope

As CSK struggles in IPL 2025, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also sent a reassuring message to fans. After CSK’s back-to-back defeats against RCB and Rajasthan Royals, Jadeja posted a picture with Dhoni on Instagram, captioning it, “Things will change.”

During the recent loss against Rajasthan Royals, Dhoni and Jadeja had nearly pulled off an improbable chase, scoring 19 runs in the penultimate over. Despite their efforts, CSK fell short, increasing pressure on the team. However, Jadeja’s post suggests that the squad remains hopeful of turning their season around.

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