Is this the Last IPL Season for MS Dhoni?

Such has been former India and present Chennai Super Kings‘ skipper MS Dhoni‘s stature, that despite having spoken very little about his retirement plans from the Indian Premier League, this inevitable question continues to follow him like his late afternoon shadow.

During the 2020 edition of the IPL, Dhoni uttering mere two words – ‘Definitely Not’, a confirmation that he will play for CSK during the 2021 edition as well, injected some new energy into his fans, as if there is no existence of the franchise without him.

As strong-as-ever leading the side in the ongoing IPL 2023 as well, the 41-year-old was yet again asked to have a say on the very topic during a latest CSK promotional event, and the man in his own inimitable style came up with an assuring yet witty reply to the question for his countless fans.

Is this the Last IPL Season for MS Dhoni?

An answer to this very question, MS Dhoni wittingly replied, “There is lots of time to take that call. Right now, we have lots of games, and the coach will be under pressure if I say something.”

The response received a huge cheer from his fans in the crowd, as if as long as Dhoni is not dropping any hints on his IPL retirement date, everything in the world is fine and sane.

Unlike the previous season, when he had decided to handover the captaincy hat to Ravindra Jadeja (only to take it back mid-season), his above statement all but confirms that at least he will remain the skipper until the end of the ongoing season.

“Will Play My Last Game” In Chennai – Dhoni in October 2021

Perhaps, the single biggest statement given by Dhoni with respect to his last IPL match for CSK came back in October 2021, when he had confirmed that he will indeed play the same in Chennai – in front of his ever loyal fans at the home ground.

With the ongoing season returning back to the usual home-away format, and CSK slated to play seven matches in Chennai, it remains to be seen whether this is the year we last see of Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the capacity of a player in the CSK jersey.