Why's Dhoni Playing With Pain? Ex-IPL Team Official's Grim 'Theory'

Since the start of IPL 2024, Chennai Super Kings fans have been going gung-ho over watching 'Thala' MS Dhoni. The former Indian cricket team captain has long retired from international cricket and the only time fans get to see him in action is during the IPL. This IPL too, Dhoni has been dealing in boundaries in the cameos that he has been delivering. However, his batting order has left a lot to be desired among the fans. 

In CSK's last match, he came to bat No. 9. In earlier matches, Dhoni came to bat in the second last or last overs. It made everyone wonder why Dhoni was coming so low in the order despite being such a good hitter. 

A report, in the Times of India, has revealed that Dhoni is carrying a muscle tear in his leg which prevents him from running too long on the field. Hence, the veteran cricketer isn't keen in coming out to bat too early for CSK, as running between the wickets is an issue for him. 

After the report came to light, former Kolkata Knight Riders Team Director presented a grim 'theory' which predicts that Dhoni is playing this season to prepare the side for life after him. In other words, he might be retiring at the end of this season. 

"Here's my Dhoni theory. He's playing on with his muscle tear for his two most important constituencies, his fans and his team.  The part about saying goodbye to his fans around the country is obvious. What we might be missing is why he chooses to play on for the team," Joy Bhattacharjya wrote in a long post on X.

Here's my Dhoni theory. He's playing on with his muscle tear for his two most important constituencies, his fans and his team.
The part about saying goodbye to his fans around the country is obvious. What we might be missing is why he chooses to play on for the team.
Conway is...

— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) May 7, 2024

"Conway is injured, which means the only other keeper in their squad is young Aravelly Avanish, certainly quite a way off from first XI duties. Dhoni also probably wants to give just enough support to Ruturaj to make sure that the transition is smooth this time around. Next year is the big auction, and if he sees them through this year, they will go in with a lot of cash and a young core."

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/why-is-ms-dhoni-playing-for-csk-with-muscle-tear-ex-ipl-team-officials-theory-paints-grim-picture-5611332