The question that’s been buzzing around since before IPL 2024 began: Is this MS Dhoni‘s last IPL as a player? This topic has stirred considerable speculation among fans and analysts alike. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan recently addressed this during an interview on the CSK YouTube channel, stating, “I do not know. It is a question which only MS can answer.” This leaves us pondering what’s next for Dhoni and CSK.

MS Dhoni’s Legacy in IPL

MS Dhoni’s contribution to the IPL is monumental. He has been a central figure since the league’s inception, leading Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to multiple championships and establishing himself as one of the most successful captains in the tournament’s history. His calm demeanor and strategic brilliance on the field have earned him the moniker “Captain Cool.”

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Hints and Speculations About Dhoni’s Future

Over the last few years, Dhoni has been bombarded with questions about his retirement. While he has often remained non-committal, his actions sometimes hint at a possible exit. For instance, his handover of the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024 was seen as a significant move, suggesting he might be preparing for life after cricket.

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan’s Statement

Viswanathan’s recent comments have added fuel to the fire. He mentioned, “It is a question which only MS can answer. We have always respected the decisions taken by MS.” This indicates that the decision is entirely in Dhoni’s hands, and the franchise will back him regardless of his choice.

“As all of you know, he has always taken his decisions and announced it at the appropriate time. We do expect that we will get a decision as and when he decides. But we are very, very hopeful that he will be available for CSK the next year. That is the view and expectations of the fans and mine.”

Dhoni’s Performance in IPL 2024

At 42, Dhoni’s performance in IPL 2024 has been nothing short of remarkable. Scoring 161 runs in just 73 balls with a strike rate of 220.55, he proved he still has the firepower. This performance, the second-highest strike rate of the season, shows he’s far from done.

The Captaincy Transition to Ruturaj Gaikwad

The captaincy shift to Ruturaj Gaikwad was a strategic move. Gaikwad, a promising young talent, took on the mantle with poise. His leadership skills were tested, and while CSK didn’t make the playoffs, Gaikwad showed potential for future seasons.

If Dhoni decides to retire, CSK will face a major transition. The team will need to find a new leader and a middle-order batsman to fill Dhoni’s shoes, which could mean significant changes in their strategy and squad composition.

In a significant announcement on Thursday, March 21, it was officially confirmed that MS Dhoni, the legendary captain and wicketkeeper-batsman, will no longer lead the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL. This surprising revelation came just a day before the commencement of IPL 2024. The opening clash of the season will witness Chennai Super Kings (CSK) facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Chennai on March 22.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, the talented opening batsman, will now take charge as the leader of the 5-time IPL champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Dhoni concludes his illustrious captaincy career as the most successful skipper in the tournament’s history.

Having led CSK to 5 IPL titles, Dhoni played 226 matches as captain in the Indian Premier League (IPL), winning 133 and losing 91 matches. He remains the only captain to have played over 200 matches and won over 100 matches in IPL history.Following the official announcement on IPL’s social media platforms regarding Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy, speculation arose among fans that MS Dhoni had been sacked by the CSK franchise.

The term “sacked” became a top trend on the platform, prompting varied reactions from fans. In response to the speculations, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) issued a formal media release clarifying that Dhoni had voluntarily passed on the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad.

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Dhoni’s Departure: A new era begins for CSK under gaikwad’s leadership

“MS Dhoni has handed over Chennai Super Kings’ captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the start of TATA IPL 2024,” the franchise stated.

“Ruturaj has been an integral part of Chennai Super Kings since 2019 and has played 52 matches in IPL during this period. The team looks forward to the upcoming season,” the official CSK media release added.

Additionally, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan addressed the matter, revealing that he was informed about Dhoni’s decision to step down as captain just before the IPL captains’ meeting. He emphasized Dhoni’s decision was made in the best interest of the team.

“Whatever Dhoni does, it is in the best interest of the team. I got to know of the decision just before the captains’ meeting. You have to respect his decision, it is his call,” Viswanathan told PTI.

Viswanathan acknowledged the unsuccessful captaincy transition to Ravindra Jadeja in the past but expressed optimism about the current change.

“That captaincy transition (Ravindra Jadeja) did not work out but this is different,” Viswanathan added.

Notably, prior to IPL 2022, MS Dhoni handed over the captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja, but due to underperformance, Dhoni reclaimed the role mid-season, leading CSK to their 5th IPL championship in the subsequent edition.