Chennai Super Kings (CSK) emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter against Gujarat Titans on Tuesday, May 23, securing a spot in the final. With this win, CSK showcased their dominance in the tournament, reaching the final for the remarkable 10th time. After batting first, led by the legendary MS Dhoni, CSK posted a competitive total of 172/7. In response, Gujarat Titans were bowled out for 157, paving the way for CSK’s triumphant march to the final on May 28 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
MS Dhoni, who retired as one of India’s most successful captains after leading the national team for several years and winning three ICC titles, continues to actively participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the captain of Chennai Super Kings. Amidst speculation about Dhoni’s retirement, the final in Ahmedabad is anticipated to be a special occasion if it happens to be his last IPL match.
However, Dwayne Bravo, the bowling coach of Chennai Super Kings and Dhoni’s former teammate, believes that the iconic skipper is unlikely to consider retirement after the conclusion of the IPL 2023 edition. Bravo reassured fans, stating that the new Impact Player rule would actually help Dhoni prolong his illustrious career. The rule provides players with much-needed breaks between games, allowing the CSK captain to maintain his fitness and continue playing for an extended period.
Acknowledging MS Dhoni’s captaincy legacy, Bravo emphasized the calming influence Dhoni has on the team during high-pressure situations. Known for his composed demeanor, Dhoni is aptly nicknamed ‘Captain Cool’. His ability to control the game on the field greatly benefits Chennai Super Kings, particularly when facing challenging situations.
When questioned about Dhoni’s potential return to play for CSK in 2024, Bravo responded confidently, saying, “100 percent, especially with the Impact Player rule. He can keep prolonging his career. We bat really deep. I think the likes of Ajinkya Rahane and Shivam Dube, these guys make a huge difference. So, you don’t require much from MS. But his ability to keep us calm while the team is under pressure is unmatched,” Bravo stated during an interview on Star Sports following their victory over Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1.
Interestingly, during the post-match presentation, Harsha Bhogle inquired about MS Dhoni’s retirement plans. Dhoni offered an insightful yet cheeky response, indicating that he still has ample time to decide on the future of his career. He expressed his desire to focus on spending quality time with his family after the conclusion of IPL 2023.
“I don’t know. I have 8-9 months to decide. The small auction will be around December. So why take that headache right now? I have ample time to decide. But I will always be there for CSK, whether it’s in the playing form or sitting somewhere outside,” MS Dhoni concluded.