MS Dhoni will play IPL next year: CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan

The retirement plans of iconic cricketer MS Dhoni have been a topic of much speculation, but according to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) management, their revered captain is likely to grace the IPL for another season.

Kasi Viswanathan, the CEO of the CSK franchise, expressed his belief that Dhoni will continue playing next year. “That is my personal guess,” Viswanathan shared with Cricbuzz following CSK’s game against the Kolkata Knight Riders, which marked the team’s last home game of the season. “He hasn’t given us a definitive answer, but based on his performance and leadership, I think he will play next year as well,” Viswanathan stated.

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Dhoni, who bid farewell to international cricket in August 2020, has previously mentioned his intention to play his final IPL match in Chennai. Although Sunday night’s game was supposed to be their last home fixture, there is still a chance for CSK to return to the Chepauk stadium as it will host two playoff matches.

With 15 points from 13 games, CSK stands a good chance of qualifying for the playoffs, barring any unexpected turn of events in the remaining league matches. CSK’s final game of the season will take place on Saturday afternoon in Delhi.

Throughout this IPL season, Dhoni has demonstrated his worth as a player and leader. He skillfully guided the team and brought out the best in young talents like Matheesha Pathirana and Tushar Deshpande. He also inspired outstanding performances from Ajinkya Rahane and Shivam Dube, who flourished under his guidance.

Despite a nagging knee issue, Dhoni performed well as a wicketkeeper and, although his personal batting tally was modest with 98 runs, he struck 10 sixes at an impressive strike rate of nearly 200. His presence drew large crowds, with CSK fans consistently outnumbering the home team supporters in every venue. Dhoni’s aura even created a Dhoni mania that swept across the IPL centers.

Dhoni’s retirement decisions have often caught fans by surprise. His retirement from Test cricket was announced abruptly in the middle of a series in Australia in 2014, leaving the cricketing fraternity, including the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials and his teammates, astonished.

As Dhoni turns 42 next year, his potential continuation in the IPL would be a testament to his skills and commitment to the game. Moreover, the CSK management shares a mutual desire for Dhoni to continue playing and leading the team, setting the stage for an intriguing twist in his remarkable cricketing journey.