IPL 2024: Robin Uthappa On What Could Be The Only Factor Stopping MS Dhoni From Playing Beyond This Season

Former India and Chennai Super Kings batter Robin Uthappa has said fitness could be the only thing that stops veteran Mahendra Singh Dhoni from prolonging his run in competitive cricket for further seasons in IPL.

Dhoni has showed tremendous form this IPL season, powering CSK with his blistering cameos, rolling back the years with his domination in the death overs, especially in the 20th over of the innings.

In the match against Lucknow Super Giants on Friday (April 19), Dhoni slammed a nine-ball 28 at the BRSABV Ekana Stadium in Lucknow to take CSK to a challenging total of 176.

Earlier in the match against Delhi Capitals, the seasoned campaigner smashed an unbeaten 37 off 16 balls, and followed that with a 4-ball 20 that included 3 successive sixes in the first three balls against Mumbai Indians.

Amazed at MS Dhoni's longevity, former India batter Uthappa said the Chennai Super Kings talisman's "mind is staying up to date" and the only thing that could stop him from playing further editions of the IPL.

"The only thing stopping him is his health. His fitness will be the only thing that stops him from playing any further," Uthappa said on JioCinema after Dhoni's latest knock.

"He loves the game, is deeply passionate about it, and wants to continue playing it. If there's anything that will stop him, it will be his own body that will give way. The mind is staying up to date."

Dhoni slammed a four and a six off Mohsin Khan before smashing Yash Thakur for another maximum. He finished the innings with two more fours as 19 came off the last over.

Speaking of Dhoni's exploits, former India pace spearhead Zaheer Khan said, "The roar is getting bigger, better, and louder, and so is MS Dhoni's presence on the field.

"He's getting better and better with every innings he is playing. The sheer impact of him, it's unbelievable to see him go out there and put this kind of pressure on the bowlers. It was just phenomenal."

Coming back to the LSG vs CSK match, Ravindra Jadeja scored an unbeaten 57 before Moeen Ali (30 off 20) and Dhoni (28 off 9) went on a six-hitting spree to take CSK to a fighting 176 for six.

In reply, KL Rahul (82 off 53) and Quinton de Kock (54 off 43) shared a 134-run stand, the highest partnership for any wicket at the Ekana Stadium, as LSG completed the chase in 19 overs to recover from back-to-back defeats and consolidate their position in the table.

Rahul scored his second fifty of the season and played a crucial knock as a spot in the Indian team could be open for him. Keeping that in mind, Uthappa said the knock has boosted his prospects of getting picked in the T20 World Cup squad.

"Absolutely delightful. What I love about this innings is that he played to the merit of the ball. He didn't try to do too much, didn't try to manufacture shots, and just played to the merit of the field... He led from the front.

"Over the last couple of weeks, I thought he wouldn't figure in the World Cup squad. But if he continues batting the way he is right now, he'll find himself a spot," Uthappa said. "Whether it's as a reserve opener or a wicket-keeper, I think you might see him back among the frontrunners of the squad."

(With PTI inputs)