Heartbreaking end to MS Dhoni's IPL career? Fans urge him not to retire in 2024

• Image Credit: Google

• May 19, 2024 | Pinaki Goswami

Whether he plays another season or not, Dhoni's legacy as a cricketing icon remains indisputable...

Digital Desk: The cricket world was abuzz with speculation that MS Dhoni might have played his last match for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday. Despite Dhoni's valiant effort of 25 off 13 balls, CSK's hopes of reaching the playoffs were dashed by a 27-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Dhoni's innings featured a colossal 110-meter six, raising hopes when CSK needed 17 runs in the final over bowled by Yash Dayal. However, his dismissal on the second ball of that over left the fans and Dhoni himself visibly frustrated. The image of Dhoni angrily punching his bat and looking tense in the dugout resonated deeply with his followers.

After the traditional post-match handshake, Dhoni walked off the field with disappointment etched on his face. The 42-year-old's near-heroic effort was not enough to secure a win, leading to widespread speculation about his future in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Fans' Plea: One More Year

A significant section of fans took to social media, urging Dhoni not to retire and to play for at least one more season. They recalled the poignant end to his international career, which concluded in heartbreak when India lost the 2019 World Cup semi-final to New Zealand despite a fifty from Dhoni. Though he did not announce his retirement immediately after that match, he eventually confirmed it on August 15, 2020, through a memorable Instagram post.

CSK's chase of RCB's mammoth 218 runs saw them struggling at 129 for 6 in the 15th over. Only Rachin Ravindra (61) and Ajinkya Rahane (33) showed some resistance before Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja attempted to turn the tide. Jadeja's unbeaten 42 off 22 balls was notable, but it was insufficient to secure the needed 201 runs to advance to the playoffs. 

CSK ended their innings at 191 for 7, failing to overcome the 27-run deficit.

If Dhoni decides to retire, he will conclude his IPL career as one of the most successful captains in the league's history. His record would stand at 5243 runs in 264 matches, coupled with the highest win percentage among IPL captains, having led his team 226 times. Dhoni's leadership and on-field strategies have been pivotal to CSK's success, earning them five championships.

Dhoni's journey with CSK has been storied and illustrious. After the 2020 season, he assured fans that he was "definitely not" retiring, and even after the 2023 title win, he chose to continue as a 'return gift' to his loyal supporters. His decision to extend his career for another season highlighted his deep connection with his fans and his unwavering commitment to the team.

As the cricketing fraternity awaits an official announcement, Dhoni's potential retirement marks the end of an era. His contributions to CSK and the IPL have been monumental, and his exit will leave a void that will be hard to fill. Whether he plays another season or not, Dhoni's legacy as a cricketing icon remains indisputable.