Indian cricket legend and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni is set to play his final season in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
During the T20 league last year, after Chennai failed to reach the playoffs, the veteran goalkeeper-batsman was asked if he would be seen in action during IPL 2023. He confirmed that he would return for next season.
Now the 41-year-old is reportedly set to play in his farewell season of the IPL. A CSK official confirmed the development, telling InsideSport:
“Yes, it will be MS’s last season as a player. That’s what we know so far. But of course, it is his decision. He has not officially communicated to management that he will retire. It is a special occasion for all CSK fans as IPL returns to Chennai. But it will be a sad moment if Dhoni plays his last season.”
MSD relinquished the Chennai Super Kings captaincy last year, handing over the baton to the multi-talented Ravindra Jadeja. However, Dhoni returned to captain mid-season after Jadeja resigned, as his personal performance was severely affected due to the added responsibility.
In Dhoni’s final farewell match, I want ‘The Honor Guard’ given by CSK stalwarts like Faf, Mathew Hayden, Watson, Suresh Raina, Dwayne Bravo, Brendon McCullum, Dwayne Smith, Murali Vijay, Ravichandran Ashwin, Badrinath, Albie Morkel, Bollinger Make it happen Leo @ChennaiIPL💛 https://t.co/uDyWurHWff
The Indian legend has also been retained as the CSK captain for the 2023 IPL season.
Will MS Dhoni play his last IPL match on May 14?
According to reports, Dhoni is likely to play his last IPL match for CSK against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Chennai on May 14. This will be CSK’s thirteenth game in the league phase. Chennai’s last match in the league stage will be against Delhi Capitals (DC), but that is an away fixture.
While reports indicate that the May 14 match against KKR could be MSD’s last IPL match, it is unlikely that they will not play in the playoffs if CSK qualifies for the same.
As per the IPL 2023 schedule, 70 league stage matches will be played at 12 venues over 52 days. The schedule and venues for the playoffs and the final will be announced at a later date.
IPL 2023 will kick off with a highly successful clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Chennai Super Kings at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 31.
MS Dhoni IPL Stats
After making their debut in the inaugural edition in 2008, MSD has played 234 matches in which they have scored 4,978 runs at an average of 39.20 and a strike rate of 135.20, with 24 half centuries.
His best of 84* came with 48 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) during the 2019 edition. Despite MSD’s heroics, CSK lost the game by one run.