'We weren't up to the mark': MS Dhoni keeps retirement talk at bay, eyes CSK reboot
NEW DELHI:
Mahendra Singh Dhoni
has once again sidestepped retirement speculation, instead turning the spotlight on
Chennai Super Kings
' (CSK) disappointing IPL campaign and the urgent need for a squad overhaul.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Maxvision Eye Super Speciality Hospital in Chennai, the former India captain admitted that CSK have "holes" to fix and need to start afresh ahead of the next season.
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The five-time champions endured one of their worst seasons in IPL history, finishing at the bottom of the table with just four wins in 14 matches. With regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad sidelined, Dhoni had to step in as captain midway through a campaign marred by inconsistency and injury setbacks.
Poll
Should MS Dhoni continue playing for CSK in the next IPL season?
Yes, he should continue
No, it's time to retire
'There were certain holes that we need to plug in. I think our batting order is quite sorted out now.
Rutu will be coming back. A small auction is coming in December… We will try to plug those in,' Dhoni said.
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Despite his advancing age — Dhoni turned 44 last month — and the speculation swirling around his playing future, the veteran remains CSK's primary wicketkeeper. However, he emphasised that individual legacy means little if the team falters.
'The beauty of sport is how good you look on paper doesn't matter. What you do consistently over a period of time matters.
You have to pull your socks up once you reach the knockouts and win with two or three big performances. That's how trophies are won,' he said.
Reflecting on back-to-back underwhelming seasons, Dhoni didn't sugarcoat CSK's decline: 'The last couple of years have not been good for us. We have not, you can say, been up to the mark. What is important is to see the learnings.'
And while fans remain uncertain whether Dhoni will don the yellow jersey again, he made it clear that CSK's focus is firmly on rebuilding. 'Next year, when you turn up again, you have to start from scratch,' he concluded.
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