Ambati Rayudu: MS Dhoni's IPL Career Not Over, Impact Player Rule Crucial

Former Indian batsman Ambati Rayudu believes that MS Dhoni's IPL career is not over yet and urges the BCCI to retain the impact player rule to facilitate Dhoni's continued participation in the tournament.

Chennai Super Kings' hopes of reaching the playoffs were dashed after a 27-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday. Dhoni's team needed 17 runs in the final over to qualify, but RCB bowler Yash Dayal held his nerve to secure the victory.

Rayudu, who played alongside Dhoni at CSK, believes that Dhoni is not ready to retire. "I don't think this is his last game. I just don't see him wanting to end on this note," Rayudu said. "He looked a little frustrated, even when he got out. That's very unlike MS Dhoni, he just wanted to qualify and finish on a high. But you never know with MS Dhoni, he might come back next year."

Rayudu also highlighted the importance of the impact player rule in keeping Dhoni involved. "With the impact player role as well, it gives him the opportunity to be able to come in those last few overs and truly make that impact," Rayudu said. "BCCI better not remove the impact player role because we still want to see MS Dhoni play. So, it's up to BCCI now. Do we want to see MS Dhoni play or not."

Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden also commented on Dhoni's performance, noting that while his physical abilities may be diminishing, his leadership and cricketing knowledge remain invaluable. "As a leader, he is The Thala of the Chennai Super Kings. This is telling me that nothing here is about becoming anything else other than first place. He's desperately using his brains, all of that cricket knowledge," Hayden said.

Despite the disappointment of the loss, RCB continued their impressive run of form with their sixth consecutive win, securing a place in the playoffs.

Tags: #MSDhoni, #IPL, #ChennaiSuperKings, #RoyalChallengersBangalore, #AmbatiRayudu