MS Dhoni might not play all IPL 2024 games: RCB legend's big statement after Ruturaj Gaikwad takes over CSK captaincy

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MS Dhoni might not play all IPL 2024 matches, former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star and West Indies legend Chris Gayle has predicted. The big statement from Gayle came in the pre-match show before the IPL 2024 opener between defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and RCB on Friday.

Notably, MS Dhoni handed over CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad just before the start of the season. Gaikwad led CSK to a six-wicket victory in his first game as CSK captain in front of home fans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) in Chennai.

Chris Gayle has predicted that Dhoni was probably going to take a mini break midway through the season and not feature in all the matches. He said the decision to promote Gaikwad as CSK captain was a planned move.

"He (MS Dhoni) might not play all games. There may be a little break in between for him. that's why the decision. But MSD will go well, don't worry about that," Gayle said on Jio Cinema. Gayle's comments came before the CSK vs RCB IPL 2024 opener in Chennai.

MS Dhoni was expected to retire last season after CSK defeated Gujarat Titans (GT) in the final to lift their record-equalling fifth IPL trophy. However, at the presentation ceremony, Dhoni expressed his desire to play one more season for the fans.

He immediately went for a knee surgery, and started his rehabilitation period to recover on time for the IPL 2024. Dhoni took the field on Friday in his vintage long-hair look. The superstar cricketer sported the same hairstyle at the start of his career, and fans have claimed that the emergence of the look was reminiscent of Dhoni completing a full circle in his cricket career.

Dhoni did not get to bat against RCB, but an underarm throw to run out Anuj Rawat on the last ball of the RCB innings, sent fans further down the nostalgia lane.