IPL 2024: Wicketkeeping could be an issue for MS Dhoni, says Robin Uthappa

Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa reckons wicket-keeping could be an issue for Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League 2024. Dhoni recently underwent knee surgery and Uthappa has his doubts over the veteran’s glovework.

However, Uthappa has full confidence in MS Dhoni’s batting for the upcoming season. Dhoni was able to add the finishing touches in IPL 2023 for CSK. The talisman scored 104 runs in 12 innings at a staggering strike rate of 182.45. The CSK captain smashed a total of 10 sixes in the previous season.

Dhoni has scored 5,082 runs in 250 IPL matches, at an average of 38.79 while striking at 135.92.

“CSK would let him play even if he was on a wheelchair! Get off the wheelchair, bat, and then go back. But I don’t think the batting is the issue for him, I don’t think batting will ever be an issue for him,” said Uthappa on JioCinema.

“I think it’s the wicketkeeping. The knees are getting worn out and he loves keeping. So, because he won’t be able to stand there and add value, he’ll probably move on from the game than for any other reason,” Uthappa added.

Dhoni has smashed 239 sixes in the IPL and he will become just the fourth player and second Indian to hit 250 or more sixes in the IPL if he manages 11 more maximums. Chris Gayle (357), Rohit Sharma (257) and AB de Villiers (251) have hit more than 250 sixes in the lucrative tournament.

Meanwhile, MS Dhoni is one of the most successful captains in IPL history. Dhoni has led CSK to five titles, the joint most along with Rohit Sharma. The veteran wicket-keeper led CSK to glory in the previous season as they defeated Gujarat Titans in the summit clash.

Chennai Super Kings will begin their IPL 2024 campaign against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on March 22.