The Chennai Super Kings ended the IPL 2023 on an all time high. They managed to clich their fifth IPL title and have gone level on the most number of titles won by a team.
But what delighted the fans most was the announcement made by their Thala, their captain, and the mastermind behind the wickets; MS Dhoni. And now we have fresh updates on what is actually going to be the future of CSK Captain.
CSK CEO Provides insights on MS Dhoni situation
Everyone knows that Dhoni was nursing a knee injury throughout the tournament. And the CEO of CSK, has provided new insights on the situation in an interview with ESPNCricinfo.
“Actually, he told us immediately after the final is over, he’ll fly to Mumbai, have surgery and go back to Ranchi for rehab. In Mumbai, after Ruturaj’s wedding [on June 4], I visited him. It was a courtesy call. He’s quite comfortable. He said he’ll rest for three weeks and then start his rehab. And like he said, he’s not going to play until January-February. We don’t need to remind him about all that.”
on ESPNCricinfo
This clearly means that there are a lot question still unanswered regarding MS Dhoni’s future. Throughout the season there was a lot of speculation over whether Dhoni would retire after this season.
And when Chennai won the league, everyone held their breath, dreading the inevitable. However, that inevitable didn’t arrive. At least not yet, during his last post match talk, MS Dhoni made his feelings clear towards retirement.
MS Dhoni on his availability in IPL 2024
He told the crowd that it would be the perfect and most easy way to leave the game. “Circumstantially if you see, this is the best time to announce my retirement…” before continuing “… but the amount of love and affection I have been shown wherever I have been this year, the easy thing would be for me to say ‘Thank you very much’, but the tough thing for me is to work hard for another 9 months and come back and play at least 1 more season of IPL.”
Hindustan Times
Dhoni definitely had a great IPL, not only as a captain but as a batter as well. He played some very important cameos for his team, and with clean hitting, it was clear that he has still got it.
Dhoni’s fitness struggles in IPL 2023
The main concern for him however has been fitness over the years. In this year’s IPL it was quick visible that he was suffering from physical ailments that were holding him back.
As one of the fastest runners between the wicket, MSD was struggling to convert ones into twos. But with his power hitting he managed to turn the clock back a decade.
The fans were absolutely thrilled to see MS Dhoni the finisher on the crease. Along with that some of his captaincy decisions were also spot on. Hence, the franchise along with the fans in general will be expecting him to return to the field for one last time next season.
He was a real crowd puller in 2023 edition of IPL. And if he indeed announces 2024 to be his last season, there will be immense crowd gathering, just to witness the phenomenon in action for one last time.
