MS Dhoni: Will the Captain Continue His IPL Journey Until 2023?

As of my last update in August 2023, MS Dhoni had not officially announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL). He was expected to play in the 2023 season, with indications that it could potentially be his last. However, to ensure you have the most up-to-date information, I recommend checking the latest sports news or the IPL's official announcements.

The Future of MS Dhoni in the IPL

The big question that fans are eagerly asking: what lies ahead for Dhoni after CSK's season has ended? As of now, there is no official word from Dhoni regarding his plans. He has maintained a degree of secrecy about his future, despite the CSK CEO, Kasi Viswanathan, expressing hope that Dhoni will return.

Retirement Considerations

At 42 years old, Dhoni's decision to retire becomes more understandable and respectful. Nonetheless, cricket fans and CSK supporters remain hopeful. They want to see Dhoni don the yellow jersey once more but also recognize that the best decision should be made by Dhoni himself.

CSK's Plan for Dhoni

CSK is optimistic that they will retain Dhoni should he choose to play in the upcoming IPL seasons. If Dhoni decides to return, it would significantly boost the team's morale and performance.

Given the upcoming months, fans will have to wait and see how Dhoni makes his decision. Until then, they can reminisce about his incredible IPL moments, which have left a lasting impact on cricket history.

Probability of Dhoni Playing in IPL 2023

While it remains uncertain whether Dhoni will continue his IPL journey beyond the 2023 season, recent developments suggest a good chance of him doing so. The CEO of the CSK team, Kasi Vishwanathan, expressed hope that he would indeed return.

Impact Player Rule and Dhoni's Potential Role

With the impact player rule potentially continuing in IPL 2025, Dhoni's return would be more feasible. He has not taken up the captaincy for the current season, opting to step down and let Ruturaj Gaikwad lead the team. Additionally, Dev Conway's injury and subsequent removal from the team have made Dhoni's role clearer as a batsman.

Dhoni has been playing as a slog batsman, hitting at a strike rate of 182 in 2023 and 220.5 in 2024. This role aligns well with his strengths as he can come to bat after 15 overs. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has successfully taken on the anchor role, and R. Ashwin (Jadeja) can also provide solid support. Therefore, Dhoni can play without the pressure to anchor the innings.

Conclusion

If Dhoni chooses to play in IPL 2025, it would be a positive move for his fans and the team. The impact player rule would make his return more feasible, ensuring he can continue to contribute to the CSK's success in the IPL.