The 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to kick-off in March and fans are eagerly waiting for the return of MS Dhoni to the field.
After securing the fifth IPL trophy last year, the former Indian cricketer, decided to give a return gift to his fans for showing immense support throughout the 2023 season and confirmed his participation in IPL 2024. This season is likely to be his last season in the tournament as a player.
However, CSK management wants Dhoni to continue as skipper even beyond the 2024 season. Team officials revealed the team management and even owners want veteran to continue for a while.
According to reports, CSK hasn’t talked to Dhoni for a while but the wicketkeeper-batsman will resume the training with the team in the first week of March. Speaking to RevSportz, the official said:
“I haven’t spoken to him of late. But we would love to see him continue. He will come to Chennai and start training (with the team) in the first week of March.”
The 42-year-old underwent knee surgery after IPL 2023 and successfully recovered. In the recent photos that went viral on social media, Dhoni was seen training in indoor nets in Ranchi.
Dhoni and CSK share unbreakable bond
After clinching their fourth title, beating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 2021 final, there was speculation about MS Dhoni’s future in the cash-rich tournament. However, CSK owner N Srinivasan has made one thing clear that as long as Dhoni wants to play, he can because the wicketkeeper-batsman is not a player he is a family of CSK.
Srinivasan said:
“As long as he (Dhoni) wants to play.” Dhoni is not just the captain and a cricketer of CSK, he is family. The bond is seemingly unbreakable.”
Since the inaugural season of IPL, CSK has been led by Ms Dhoni and claimed titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. CSK is considered as the most successful team in IPL, making appearances in 10 IPL finals and reaching playoffs 12 times out of 14 seasons.
