This legendary player’s wicketkeeping woes a reason for concern says Robin Uthappa

Robin Uthappa is one such cricketer who knows MS Dhoni quite well, having played with him both in the International circuit for India and franchise cricket for Chennai in the Indian T20 League. The veteran cricketer now feels that the skipper could be impacted by his wicketkeeping duties in the Indian T20 League 2024. The title defenders Chennai would clash with Bangalore in the inaugural match of the 17th edition of the tournament on March 22 at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. 

The 42-year-old wicketkeeper batter has led the franchise to a record five Indian T20 League titles as they defeated Gujarat in the final match of the previous season. 

Speaking in an interview, Uthappa said that walking down with the bat would never be an issue for the legendary player, adding that Chennai would lead him to bat even if he is in a wheelchair. Dhoni has registered 5082 runs in 250 Indian T20 League matches at an average of 38.79 and a strike rate of 135.92. 

“CSK would let MS Dhoni play even if he is wheelchair-bound. Get off it and bat and then go back. I don’t think batting will cause any problem as it has never been an issue for him,” Robin Uthappa said.

Dhoni is this league’s most successful wicketkeeper and has taken 142 wickets while taking 178 wickets: 137 catches and 41 stumpings (as of May 29, 2023)

“I think the wicket-keeping as knees are getting worn out. If he doesn’t contribute, there is no way Dhoni will play. I believe he will move on because of the wicket-keeping,” Uthappa added.

Despite having a knee injury, Dhoni smashed 104 runs at a strike rate of 182.46 in the 2023 season of the league and later underwent surgery after winning the trophy.