MS Dhoni Farewell: Chennai Super Kings will face off against the Kolkata Knight Riders in the final home game of their IPL 2023 season. The game is widely expected to be MS Dhoni’s last at home for CSK, with retirement rumours on the rise. However, in typical Dhoni fashion, Thala has kept the fans guessing, with no confirmation on his future heading into the business end of IPL 2023. Follow Indian Premier League LIVE Updates on Insidesport.IN
Chepauk hosts its final league stage with fans eager to catch a potential last glimpse of MS Dhoni in action. Hundreds queued up for tickets from the night at Chepauk, with many homeless, daily workers, and students standing in the queue. Whether or not MS Dhoni will retire is the big question in cricket, and fans do not want to miss out on an opportunity to bid goodbye should Thala officially drop the bombshell.
Before the season began, IPL 2023 was expected to be Dhoni’s last. Last year itself CSK had begun planning succession, with Ravindra Jadeja handed the reigns. That move failed and Dhoni returned to captaincy. In the auctions, the four-time champions went big on Ben Stokes, who has missed out due to injuries and has largely been on the bench.
Thus Dhoni could very well extend his stay to IPL 2025. At 41, Dhoni is not the fittest but has carved out a niche role for himself in the CSK batting order. This season, Dhoni has often batted at the death, scoring at a strike rate of more than 200. He continues to marvel fans and opposition alike, despite struggling with a knee injury.
MS is yet to communicate a decision on his future to Stephen Fleming or the CSK management. A decision will only be taken after identifying his successor.
“MS has not informed us anything about his retirement yet. We understand that the day will come sooner than later. But he understands his responsibility better than others. One of them is choosing the next captain. At the moment, we do not have many options. Ben has struggled with injuries, Jadeja had his chance but could not deliver. So, that may be the reason. But as things stand, MS has not told us anything about retiring at the end of IPL 2023,” a CSK official in the knowhow told InsideSport.
Dhoni has so far kept the cards close to his chest. He has time and again refuted and dismissed retirement rumours. Recently, Commentator Danny Morrison asked Dhoni, “This wonderful swansong tour is your last, how are you enjoying it?”
Dhoni responded, “You’ve decided it is my last, not me.”
The decision ultimately rests on MS Dhoni whether to hang up his boots at the end of the season. He is likely to address it at the toss in his final game at Chepauk on Sunday. One thing is for certain, given his fitness and willingness to ensure a clean succession, IPL 2025 seems like the option to be.
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