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Another action-packed edition of the Indian Premier League came to an end with MS Dhoni side, Chennai Super Kings crowned as champions for the fifth time. While many speculated that the winning skipper might hang his gloves post-victory, the 42-year-old dropped subtle hints that he would play yet another season as a token of gratitude for his fans. Among the billions, who want the Ranchi-born cricketer to continue playing in the cash-rich league, CSK batter Shivam Dube said that though nothing is certain, the team need its leader.

In the recent-concluded season, Dube scored 186 in 10 games with a strike rate of 158.33. In a nail-biting summit clash against Gujarat Titans on Monday night, he remained unbeaten and hit 32 off 21. Playing alongside Ravindra Jadeja, he chased the revised target of 171 guiding the Yellow Brigade to lift their fifth trophy. 

The 29-year-old cricketer, who played an absolutely heroic inning for his team in a crucial time said that even though he doesn’t know what decision their captain will take, the team needs him. He said, "I don’t know whether he will be playing next season or not, but we need him so that we can grow under him." Dube was mocked and trolled as he failed to deliver in the initial games of the season, and it is when MS Dhoni did what he is absolutely best at.

Also read: Chennai Super Kings take IPL trophy to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam as post-victory ritual 

Speaking to The Indian Express, Dube said, "Mahi bhai gave me clarity of thought. He told me what my role is. It was simple tujhe jaake team ka run rate badhana hai. (You have to increase the run rate). Even if I get out early no problem but try to complete the task given. The brief was clear."