Dhoni retirement: Not this year, says CSK captain

 

It’s a question that every cricket fan has asked themselves at one stage: When will MS Dhoni retire?

Many believed Dhoni’s retirement would come after the 2023 IPL.

Despite still captaining CSK and playing some fantastic cricket for the IPL franchise, there’s no denying the fact that MS Dhoni is an incredible 41 years old. Plenty of players younger than him have been and gone, so surely Dhoni himself is on the brink of retirement.

Read also: Dhoni's Wife Bio, Facts, Age and Instagram

One would think so. Except for the fact that Dhoni has just shared a big revelation regarding his future in the IPL.

Dhoni not quite done with IPL

Recently, Dhoni was in a conversation with one of the IPL presenters, Danny Morrison, and the topic of retirement came up.

Speaking to Dhoni, Morrison said, “This wonderful swansong tour, your last, how are you enjoying it?”

To which Dhoni replied, “Well, you have decided it is my last.”

Dhoni retirement
Photo Credit: Icon Sport

Fans across India certainly seem to be under the impression that this will be Dhoni’s final IPL season, with lovers of the Indian superstar showing up to CSK matches across the country in droves. However, is this all the opinions of other people, but not Dhoni himself?

A conversation recently with Suresh Raina revealed a lot about the prospect of a Dhoni retirement.

Raina conversation reveals Dhoni retirement plans

Speaking to Jio Cinema, former CSK and India player Suresh Raina dropped a bomb shell about Dhoni’s IPL retirement plans.

Raina revealed that in a recent conversation with MS Dhoni, the legend stated that he wouldn’t be retiring after the IPL 2023. Here’s what Dhoni said to Raina:

“Main trophy jeet ke ek saal aur khelunga,” which when translated, means, “After winning the trophy, I will play one more year.”

This conversation took place on field after CSK beat the Mumbai Indians recently.

Dhoni to play one more year with CSK

This revelation from Suresh Raina strongly implies that this will not be Dhoni’s last year in the IPL.

It also reveals Dhoni’s confidence that CSK are on track to win the IPL 2023.

Right now, Dhoni’s side sit second on the IPL points table, with 13 points from their 11 matches. However, table toppers Gujarat Titans present a significant challenge to Dhoni’s title aspirations, and will take some stopping if the two end up meeting in the IPL final.

Read also: Who will win IPL 2023?

CSK’s remaining fixtures are against the Delhi Capitals both home and away, and the Kolkata Knight Riders at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Win at least one of these, and Chennai are a strong chance of making the IPL playoffs in 2023.

With many fans believing this was to be Dhoni’s last season in the IPL, it seems as though Dhoni’s retirement is being postponed to the IPL 2024 at least.

Dhoni isn’t retiring just yet.

Bren GrayBren Gray

Bren is our resident Kiwi, and has been playing or watching sports down under in New Zealand for the better part of three decades. With 12+ years' experience as a professional writer, Bren loves to dive deep into all things cricket to bring the best betting analysis, predictions and news here at CricNerds.com.