/betbarter/media/agency_attachments/3YXcMKaocLoKtpo5Mw2o.png)
/betbarter/media/post_banners/Vg0utnKVBOr8PwZGy70i.png)
The four-time Champions Chennai Super Kings under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, played their last match at the home ground Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. Although the night was not the expected one for the hosts as they lost to the Kolkata Knight Riders by a margin of six wickets in this match.
Apart from this, the post-match environment created in the aftermath of this match between CSK and KKR gave rise to a lot of speculations that it was the last appearance of CSK skipper MS Dhoni at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Notably, the former legendary Indian skipper and wicketkeeper-batter has led the Chennai Super Kings to the title glory four times in the history of the tournament.
With said that, here we’ll talk about the four signs and indications hinting towards the fact that it is most probably the last season of IPL for MS Dhoni in the yellow outfits.
Autograph on Sunil Gavaskar’s Shirt
Former legendary Indian skipper and one of the all-time great batters, Sunil Gavaskar who is currently active as a commentator in the ongoing edition of the IPL quickly reached out to MS Dhoni. He asked for an autograph from the two-time World Cup champion skipper. Dhoni didn’t take much time in signing Gavaskar’s shirt. This incident emerged as one of the big hints towards Dhoni’s last appearance at the home ground Chepauk in IPL.
The Lap of honor with CSK teammates
After the Kolkata Knight Riders went past the Chennai Super Kings and won the match by six wickets, the Dhoni-led group of CSK players took a lap of honor to extend thanks to the supporters or the yellow army. Dhoni also thanked the fans for their continuous support throughout the season wherever the CSK played in this edition.
When Dhoni threw the jerseys and balls in the crowd and had the handshakes with the policemen, it looked like he has made up his mind to hang the boots from the Indian Premier League.
Injury in Left Knee
The 41-year-old is suffering from a left-knee injury since the start of this edition of the Indian Premier League. He has been seen limping in a couple of matches and also appeared in bat with a kneecap. Earlier at the beginning of the tournament, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming also addressed this concern about Dhoni’s surgery.
Given this fact, it can be said the four-time IPL-winning skipper could not be seen on the field in yellow colors in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League 2024.
His previous statement during IPL 2022
In last year’s edition during the Indian Premier League 2022, CSK played their last league game against Rajasthan Royals. The statement made by Dhoni at that moment regarding his retirement and the support of the fans also ignited the assumption that one of the greatest skippers might call it a day after the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League.
"Definitely, because it will be unfair not to say thank you to Chennai. Won't be nice to do that to CSK fans... Mumbai is one place where I got a lot of affection. Hopefully next year teams will be traveling and it will be an opportunity to say thank you to all the venues. Regarding me continuing in the IPL, Hard to say what's going to happen in two years,” said Dhoni while terminating his retirement speculations.