IPL 2023: CSK’s MS Dhoni confirmed to retire after IPL 2023 – Reports: In a massive development for Indian cricket and MS Dhoni fans, the Indian stalwart is set to play his last Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament in 2023. Dhoni is expected to retire at the end of the 2023 IPL season in front of his home crowd in Chepauk Stadium.
While the official statement from MS Dhoni awaits, his IPL franchise, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) understands that the glovesman will feature in his final IPL game in front of the home crowd in Chennai. Moreover, CSK expects to have clarity on the issue before the start of the IPL 2023.
It’s worth noting that the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be back in its traditional home and away fixtures after a hiatus of three years. Due to the restrictions imposed by the COVID pandemic, the BCCI had organised the last three IPL seasons in a limited number of venues.
An official from CSK stated, “We believe this will be his [MS Dhoni’s] last season as he wants to bid farewell at his favourite stadium. In any case, we should have clarity by the start of the IPL.”
The franchise official said the decorated cricketer would do what best suits his side and will have the team’s complete support for his decisions.
The official further added, “MS has not informed us of his decision and there is no pressure on him to do so. He is our leader and will do what is best for the team. As far as the management is concerned, MS has our full support whether he continues beyond this season.”
Interestingly, the rumours of MS Dhoni’s IPL retirement intensified after he dropped the captaincy hat during the last IPL season. Senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was made leader of the pack, however, he couldn’t do well in the initial few games of the captaincy and eventually relinquished the role. MS Dhoni had to take back his captaincy hat once again.
Meanwhile, this time Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have a couple of good options as far as captaincy is concerned. If Dhoni takes a step down from his roles, the franchise has the luxury of having premier all-rounder Ben Stokes and senior batter Ajinkya Rahane in the team, who can be viable options for the captaincy.
Both Ben Stokes and Ajinkya Rahane are brilliant leaders with adequate captaincy experience in their hats. While Stokes has been leading England’s test team for a while now, Rahane has captained the Indian side in Virat Kohli’s absence.
Meanwhile, young Ruturaj Gaikwad also poses himself as one of the key members of the side and can be given the captaincy hat after some grooming.
An official from CSK commented, “Of course, we are very happy to have Ben Stokes. He is not only a match-winner but also a great leader. It is MS’s call on who he will name as his successor. With foreign players leading in the IPL, there is always the problem of combination. All-rounders can also be tricky to handle. If Ben does not get a NOC next year, it will be a problem. So, one can never rule out the young Ruturaj.”
