IPL 2024: Will CSK Great MS Dhoni Play in The Next Edition of Indian Premier League?

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It's that time of the year again when the cricketing world is eager to know if the legendary Chennai Super Kings (CSK) wicketkeeper-batter Mahendra Singh Dhoni will continue playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

MS Dhoni and CSK failed to reach the playoffs stage for only the third time in their 15 season in IPL after a 27-run loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the final league stage match of the ongoing IPL 2024.

The result saw them drop down to fifth with RCB taking the fourth spot on better Net Run Rate (NRR). Ever since CSK started the season, there has been question marks over Dhoni's future in the lucrative league as he edges closer to turning 43 in a couple of months.

Age aside, the body also has not allowed the veteran to play at his full potential most times. He has had a knee issue since last season and has continued to strap the worrisome knee even this year.

Dhoni underwent surgery after leading CSK to a record-equalling fifth IPL title in 2023. There was huge speculation that he might retire following the 2023 edition, but he promised his supporters that he will continue playing body-permitting.

A few months later it was confirmed that Dhoni will indeed feature in the IPL 2024, but the decorated skipper handed over the reigns to young Ruturaj Gaikwad at the start of the season, hinting possibly his final season in IPL.

The schedule also indicated a fairytale ending could be in-store for the seasoned campaigner after MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the home of CSK, was picked as the venue for the Qualifier 2 and the Final.

Dhoni had often suggested that he wanted to play in front of the home fans before calling it quits after three seasons of behind closed doors matches or limited venues tournament. He had the chance to bow out on a high following 2023 season, but wanted to carry on playing.

When the playoff venues were revealed, the fans felt Dhoni could indeed play in front of the home support and lift a sixth IPL title, but RCB ruined that idea by knocking CSK out. Dhoni was seen very sad after the loss and also skipped shaking hands with RCB players.

Will Dhoni play in the next edition of IPL?

Now, the question has come on everyone's mind if that defeat to RCB was his last match or definitely not. Some of his former teammates still believe he won't like to go out that way, while some reports suggest any decision will be made in the coming months.

"Dhoni has not told anybody in CSK that he is quitting. He has told the management that he will wait for a couple of months before taking a final call," Times of India quoted a source close to the developments as saying.

"We will wait for Dhoni's communication. He always has the best interests of the team in mind, let's see what happens," the CSK official said. So, it's again wait and watch. But many believe Dhoni will just drop a retirement announcement like he did with his international career in 2020.

If he does want to continue playing, CSK may have rethink about their retentions if only a maximum of 4, including 3 Indian players is allowed ahead of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction.