IPL 2020: Irfan Pathan questions if MS Dhoni himself would be pleased with his performance

Chennai Super Kings managed to finish seventh this season, having lost eight games and winning just six. The side was once again led by MS Dhoni, who failed to impress with the bat. It happened to be the first season when CSK were unable to make it to the playoffs.

Former champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) endured a tough Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 season, as they failed to make it to the playoffs. While they finished at the seventh spot, it was the first time that the side failed in progressing to the playoffs.

The side was once again led by MS Dhoni, who holds the record for leading the side on most occasions. Having done so since 2008, he has helped the side in winning three titles, with their last win coming in 2018.

However, he has failed to recreate the same old magic this season, while his performance with the bat was also least impressive. Meanwhile, former Indian seamer Irfan Pathan questioned if Dhoni himself would be happy with his play.

"MS Dhoni will be associated with CSK till the time he wants. But, if we talk about the next season alone, I was thinking in my mind after seeing MS Dhoni playing the entire season for CSK," he was quoted as saying on Star Sports.

"What the captain MS Dhoni of 2010 or 2011 would be telling the MS Dhoni of 2020 in this situation? He would have said to come next year with better fitness and performance, and it is clear that he will do that as well, that is the expectation," Pathan added.

In the meantime, Dhoni has confirmed that he would be playing for the side come next season, in a similar role. While former Indian pacer Asish Nehra was delighted with it, he believed that Dhoni would continue to associate himself with the franchise in some manner, even after he retires.

"It was great to hear that MS Dhoni will be playing for CSK next year. But, once he stops playing, as no one can play forever, we hope that he keeps associated with CSK. If we see him in the dugout as a coach or as a mentor, it will be a very good thing, but even if he manages the team from behind the stage, it will be very important for CSK," said Nehra.

"The way their season has ended, with wins in their last three encounters, they will take the confidence and we have heard from MS Dhoni as well that the next IPL is not that far away," Nehra added.