Was IPL 2024 MS Dhoni’s Last IPL? CSK CEO Speaks Out

As IPL 2024 wraps up, the cricketing world is abuzz with speculation about MS Dhoni’s future. Is this the legendary cricketer’s last IPL season? According to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan, the answer lies solely with Dhoni himself.

Dhoni’s Future with CSK: A Decision Only He Can Make

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In a recent interview on CSK’s YouTube channel, Viswanathan addressed the pressing question about Dhoni’s retirement. “I do not know,” he said. “It is a question which only MS can answer. We have always respected the decisions taken by MS and left it to him.”

Dhoni, now 42, has been elusive about his plans, especially after passing the CSK captaincy torch to Ruturaj Gaikwad at the start of this IPL season. Despite his reduced media interactions, Dhoni’s performance remains stellar. This season, he scored 161 runs off 73 balls with a striking rate of 220.55, the second-highest after Jake Fraser-McGurk among players with at least 25 balls faced.

CSK Fans Hopeful for Dhoni’s Return

Viswanathan expressed optimism about Dhoni’s potential return next year. “We are very, very hopeful that he will be available for CSK the next year. That is the view and expectations of the fans and mine.”

With Dhoni turning 43 before the next season and a mega auction looming, CSK faces crucial planning decisions. However, Viswanathan’s comments suggest that Dhoni will continue if he chooses to, maintaining his significant impact on the team both on and off the field.

Stephen Fleming: No Plans to Coach India

Amidst the Dhoni speculation, rumors also swirled about CSK’s long-time coach, Stephen Fleming, possibly taking up the role of India head coach. Viswanathan, however, dispelled these rumors, emphasizing Fleming’s contentment with his current role. “It’s not going to be his cup of tea because he doesn’t like to be involved [in coaching] for nine-ten months in a year,” he stated.

Fleming himself downplayed the speculation when asked by Viswanathan. “I jokingly asked Stephen, ‘have you applied to the Indian coaching assignment?’ Stephen just laughed and said: ‘Do you want me to?’,” recounted Viswanathan.

CSK’s Retention Plans for IPL 2025

As CSK prepares for the expected squad shake-up before IPL 2025, Viswanathan mentioned that concrete retention plans are still in the works. The franchise is awaiting clarity from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the rules for the next auction cycle.

“It is too early because we have still not heard from BCCI on the kind of retentions which are going to be part of the next cycle of auction,” Viswanathan explained. “We are expecting that the BCCI would discuss with all franchise owners before they take a decision on retention.”

CSK, five-time IPL champions, finished fifth this season, missing out on the playoffs for only the third time. However, history shows their resilience; they have previously bounced back to clinch the title following disappointing seasons in 2020 and 2022.

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