If MS Dhoni Plays For CSK, He Must Be The Captain: Sourav Ganguly Praises Thala's Ageless Power in IPL 2025

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Kolkata, Apr 10: Former India cricketer and batting legend Sourav Ganguly has lavished praise upon Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the talismanic former India cricketer continues to offer his services for his franchise Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing IPL 2025.

Ganguly - one of the most successful India captains across white and red-ball formats - lauded the Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter for his fitness and his ability to hit those big sixes in the ongoing cash-rich league.

However, there has been disappointment in cricket fans as the former CSK captain hasn't been able to help the team cross the winning line on more than a couple of occasions in the run chases. Many believe Dhoni should retire, but the biggest cause of CSK's four successive defeats in the ongoing season has been the inability of the top-order to make an impact.

Dada In Awe of Thala's Ageless Power

While interacting with media persons in Kolkata on Thursday (April 10), Ganguly - under whose captaincy the Ranchi cricketer made his international debut - said, "MS Dhoni can still hit sixes; we saw that in the other game. Obviously, he is 43 years old. You don't expect to see the MS Dhoni what I saw in 2005, that's quite natural, but I think he's still got the power to clear and hit, I don't know what's in his mindset."

Ganguly - fondly known as the Prince of Kolkata - further stated that he doesn't know what the Chennai management thinks (on Dhoni) and respects their decision. "I don't know what CSK is thinking and I saw him play the other day in Punjab (Kings) and he did hit a few sixes and I think with all his experience, all what he's achieved, he understands the game as good as anybody and will do what is right for CSK," he remarked.

The 52-year-old - who led Kolkata Knight Riders in the first three editions of the IPL - further said that according to him, captaincy suits Dhoni and the former India skipper - who has guided the Super Kings to five IPL titles - should simply be leading the side if he's playing. "If MS Dhoni has to play for CSK, he must be the captain of the side because MS Dhoni - the captain - is a different beast," Ganguly further added.

Though Dhoni has relinquished captaincy in recent seasons, speculation has always followed about his role within the team, especially as fans continue to rally behind the CSK talisman in what could be his final IPL season.

On Home Advantage in IPL

When questioned about the importance of home advantage in IPL matches - a topic that has gained traction following KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane's recent dissatisfaction with Eden Gardens pitches - Ganguly refrained from getting drawn into the controversy.

"Yeah, why not? It depends on how it goes. I know why you are asking, but I don't want to comment on that. It depends from individual to individual," the Prince of Kolkata said, choosing his words carefully.