MS Dhoni will come back roaring in IPL 2025, we haven't seen last of him: Robin Uthappa

Former India batter Robin Uthappa said on Saturday that MS Dhoni will return to play the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2025, adding that the former captain is not someone who takes heartbreaks and setbacks lightly. Dhoni ended the 2024 season on a heartbreaking note as he failed to deliver when CSK needed 17 runs in the last over in their last league game against RCB in Bengaluru to qualify for the playoffs.

MS Dhoni hit the first delivery of the final over bowled by Yash Dayal for a 110m-six. However, he was dismissed in the very next delivery while trying to hit another one into the stands. After Dhoni's dismissal, Shardul Thakur and Ravindra Jadeja were not able to take the team past the finish line as Dayal held his nerves and defended 11 runs in the last four deliveries, much to the delight of RCB fans at the M Chinnasway Stadium in Bengaluru.

"I don't think we have seen the last of MS. He is not someone who takes these things lightly. He will come back roaring for sure," Robin Uthappa told JioCinema.

RCB vs CSK: Highlights | Scorecard

Dhoni hit 25 off 13 in a 61-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja that revived CSK's hopes of qualifying for the playoffs. CSK were reeling at 129 for 6 in their chase of 219 after which the goalpost shifted to 201 - the mark that was required for qualification. However, RCB's disciplined bowling effort ensured CSK finished on the losing side in a thriller.

Meanwhile, Uthappa also highlighted that Dhoni was managing a niggle throughout the season, hinting that there is more to come from a fitter version next year.

"Even with the narrative, I have seen him bat only in the last 4 or 5 overs, there is a reason for it. He had a calf injury which they initially thought perhaps was a niggle, but it was a little more grave than that. Because of that, he had to manage himself and often has he does, in international cricket and for CSK, he figured out a way to be useful and contribute to CSK," Uthappa said.

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Dhoni finished with 161 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 220.55 in the 2024 season. Dhoni limited himself to playing cameos, but excelled as a finisher. Dhoni's keeping was spotless as the 42-year-old was as sharp has has ever been behind the wickets.

MS CAN PLAY 1-2 MORE YEARS FOR CSK: WATSON

Former Australia all-rounder and Dhoni's former teammate Shane Watson, meanwhile, echoed the sentiments of millions of fans, urging Dhoni to continue playing at least for 1 or 2 more years in the IPL.

"He batted beautifully again. There is no doubt that he can fulfil a very important role for CSK, even if it's coming in and facing 13-15 balls each game and doing this. He played incredibly well.

"If he had hit the ball that he got out to a fraction later, that would have gone into the stands as well and the game would have been a very different result. He batted beautifully, and kept very well as well.

"Fingers crossed, MSD can roll out again for at least for 1 or 2 more years, fulfilling this role which is a little less demanding physically on him anyway," Watson said.

Dhoni had acknowledged last year that the title-winning moment with CSK was the best time to announce his retirement. However, he said he wanted to work hard and return to play at least one more season as a 'return gift' to fans.