After securing their fifth IPL title, Chennai Super Kings’ captain, MS Dhoni, delivered a momentous announcement. He expressed that clinching the IPL trophy and declaring his retirement would be the ideal way to conclude his career. However, he vowed to return for at least one more season if his physical condition permitted.
Dhoni startled the crowd in Ahmedabad when he began by stating, “Considering the circumstances, this is the optimal time to announce my retirement…” He then went on, “…but due to the overwhelming love and support I have received throughout this year, it would be easier for me to express gratitude and exit. Yet, the real challenge for me lies in persevering for another nine months, putting in the hard work, and returning to play at least one more season of the IPL.”
Dhoni’s words evoked wild enthusiasm among the Ahmedabad crowd, but they also signified another year of relentless effort and dedication. Despite playing in IPL 2023 with a knee injury, Dhoni underwent surgery to rectify the issue. At the age of 41, although Dhoni’s knee has been surgically repaired and he currently feels fine, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan explained that there is ample time between now and next March for Dhoni to make a final decision.
“After the final, he informed us that he would immediately travel to Mumbai for surgery and then proceed to Ranchi for rehabilitation. Following Ruturaj’s wedding [on June 4], I paid him a visit in Mumbai as a gesture of courtesy. He seemed quite comfortable and mentioned that he would rest for three weeks before commencing his rehabilitation. As he stated, he won’t be playing until January or February. We need not remind him of these details,” Viswanathan revealed in an interview with ESPNCricinfo.
Only time will reveal when and how Dhoni will resume training, although it is safe to assume that it won’t be in the immediate future. Since retiring from international cricket in August 2020, the IPL remains the sole tournament in which Dhoni participates. As the hiatus from the game grows, making a comeback becomes progressively more challenging. In the past year, the first glimpses of Dhoni practicing in the nets were captured in January, two months before the IPL. It is expected that his approach will remain consistent moving forward.
“He knows what he needs to do and how to proceed, so we won’t inquire about his plans or methods. He will inform us on his own. Whatever actions he takes, he will first inform Mr. N Srinivasan; he won’t disclose anything to anyone else. Essentially, he will be candid with him. We will receive information directly from him regarding his decisions. This has been the practice since 2008, and it will continue in the same manner,” Viswanathan added.