The 2023 IPL is starting to ramp up as we edge closer to the play-offs and Chennai Super Kings are well in contention for the trophy. India superstar MS Dhoni has captained CSK to four IPL titles as well as two Champions League T20 wins back in 2010 and 2014. But will the 2023 IPL be his final tournament before retirement?
Despite being 41-years-old, MS Dhoni has proven that he still boasts the ability to contribute immensely to this Chennai Super Kings side. Whether it be quick runs down the order, or sharp work behind the stumps, Dhoni’s ultimate strength lies in his leadership and tactical nous which continues to serve CSK so well. But how much longer can the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup winning skipper go on for?
During a post-match interview earlier in the tournament, Dhoni admitted that he was in the “last phase” of his career, a comment which sent panic through the CSK supporters. Of course, he did not expand on how long that phase was sent to last and whether it could extend into the 2024 IPL.
His head coach at Chennai Super Kings, Stephen Fleming has given cause for optimism that Dhoni will carry on for another year. When asked about his captain’s potential retirement, he claimed that Dhoni had given no indication that he was ready to call it a day following the 2023 IPL.
We’ve been through this dance before of course. For years now, MS Dhoni has been asked whether he will play on for another year in the IPL and each time the wicketkeeper leaves us all hanging. In 2020 he had indicated that he would end his career, only to play on the following year. When taking into account his inability to compete at his beloved home of Chepauk due to the Covid-19 pandemic, you can understand why Dhoni wanted to extend his career into 2023.
So, to answer the over-riding question of this article, will MS Dhoni retire after the 2023 IPL? The truth is that we simply don’t know as of yet. However, you wouldn’t bet against him carrying on into a 17th IPL season, especially if he was to lead Chennai Super Kings to their fifth IPL trophy under his stewardship, a feat only achieved by one other IPL captain, Rohit Sharma at Mumbai Indians.
