Following Chennai Super Kings’ exit from the IPL last Saturday night, the burning question remains: Will we see Mahendra Singh Dhoni again in the IPL? Chennai lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore by 27 runs in that match.
Many have assumed that this was the last IPL match for the 42-year-old Dhoni. However, the Times of India has reported that this might not be Dhoni’s final match in the IPL!
In the rain-affected match against Bangalore, Chennai needed 35 runs in the last over. Dhoni hit a huge six on the first ball, losing the ball. The replacement ball was relatively drier than the previous one.
Bangalore’s wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik highlighted Dhoni’s six as a turning point, stating, “The biggest moment was Dhoni’s six going out of the ground, resulting in a new, drier ball which was better for bowling.”
After the loss, Dhoni’s disappointed expression led some to think that the legendary Indian player was grappling with the pain of farewell. However, while it was the end for Chennai in the season, it may not be Dhoni’s IPL farewell.
According to the Times of India, a source stated, “Dhoni has not told anyone in Chennai that this is his last. He has informed management that he will wait a few months before making a final decision.”
Chennai hopes that Dhoni will play his last IPL match at their home ground, Chidambaram Stadium. Despite his age, the former Indian captain remains fit.
In his last match against Bangalore, he scored 25 runs at a strike rate of nearly 200 and didn’t seem to struggle while running between the wickets. The source added, “He’s not feeling uncomfortable running for quick singles, which is encouraging.”
Next year, IPL teams might be allowed to retain five players in the auction. According to the Times of India, Chennai is likely to retain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana, and Ravindra Jadeja. The fifth retained player is most likely to be Dhoni.
