MS Dhoni Retirement After IPL 2024: Former CSK Teammates With Mixed Opinions About Veteran's Future

Mahendra Singh Dhoni may have played his last-ever IPL match as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) failed to qualify for the IPL 2024 playoffs following a 27-run loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Saturday (May 18) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

CSK needed 219 to win, but needed 201 to assure themselves of a record-extending 13th playoff spot. However, the defending champions fell short of the qualification mark by 10 runs and exited the tournament.

Following CSK's early exit then arose the common question of the recent seasons, - Will this be Dhoni's last season? something which many fans will be eager to get an answer quickly.

Over the last two seasons, Dhoni has dismissed retirement talks, but as he gets closer 43 in the next few months and his body also giving away especially due to the knee issue, this may have been his last appearance in IPL.

However, two of his former teammates disagreed as one said, he may have played his last game, but will definitely be with the franchise in some capacity, while another was adamant, the veteran will not like his playing career to end on such a note.

Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden, who spent his entire IPL career playing for CSK, shared thoughts on future of MS Dhoni, hinting that a role as mentor could be taken by his former captain.

"I think this is it. I do believe that this will be the last time that MS Dhoni will play. Certainly won't be the last time that we see MS Dhoni. I'd be very surprised if he doesn't mentor or be a part of the family of CSK in an official capacity," Hayden said exclusively on Star Sports Cricket Live.

Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu gave more hope for Dhoni fans, stating that we might see him playing and not just as a mentor in the next IPL season as well.

"I don't think this is his last game. I just don't see him wanting to end on this note. He looked a little frustrated, even when he got out. That's very unlike MS Dhoni, he just wanted to qualify and finish on a high. But you never know with MS Dhoni, he might come back next year," Rayudu said.

While there is been much debate of whether the Impact Rule must be retained, Rayudu hoped the BCCI do not remove it as that could be one ways and impactful player like Dhoni can play if not fully fit.

"And with the impact player role as well, it gives him the opportunity to be able to come in those last few overs and truly make that impact," Rayudu added on why he believes Dhoni might play another season.

"BCCI better not remove the impact player role because we still want to see MS Dhoni play. So, it's up to BCCI now. Do we want to see MS Dhoni play or not."

Dhoni had announced his international retirement back in 2020 August 15 when no one saw it coming. So, something similar may happen with regards to his IPL career as he may decide to walk away without a proper farewell.