MS Dhoni To Play IPL Next Year? Suresh Raina gives ONE word assurance to Thala & CSK fans

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Cricket fans in the last few years have been filling the stadium wherever former India cricketer MS Dhoni arrives to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). There is always a doubt in their mind that it could be the last time they are watching the legendary cricketer in action in the premier domestic T20 competition.

As every IPL season brings with it the persistent query: Will MS Dhoni make a comeback next year? Despite continuous speculation from cricket pundits regarding his future, the former CSK skipper consistently defies expectations, remaining active on the field and delivering commendable performances.

Suresh Raina-MS Dhoni Bromance

Dhoni played with an injured knee in the entire IPL 2023 season, where Chennai Super Kings went on to lift the title for the fifth time under his leadership. The Jharkhand cricketer underwent surgery post-IPL 2023 and looked better in the IPL 2024.

Recent concerns arose about Dhoni's fitness when he was seen limping after the match against Mumbai Indians, which CSK won at Wankhede Stadium. As the players headed towards the team bus, former Indian batsman Suresh Raina was observed assisting Dhoni. In a video shared by CSK, Raina can be seen providing support to Dhoni as he boards the team bus.

Will Dhoni play in IPL 2025?

Raina - who has played a lot of international and IPL cricket with the former CSK captain - was asked about Dhoni's potential retirement after this IPL season or continuation in the next in the JioCinema commentary box.

Raina and RP Singh - JioCinema IPL analysts - provided reassurance to viewers and fans regarding the possibility of Dhoni participating in another season of IPL. Singh expressed his belief that IPL 2024 may not necessarily mark the conclusion of Dhoni's IPL career.

Raina, who is called 'Chinna Thala' by CSK fans, echoed the former India pacer's sentiment confidently stating, "Khelenge!" Singh smiled at Raina's assurance and remarked that it appears Dhoni still has two more seasons left in him. "Agar (Raina ne) Ek season bola hai, to wo Do khel jayenge," remarked Singh.

Dhoni has been contending with a persistent knee ailment, evident from the tight wrapping around his left leg during the intense match against MI. Raina also disclosed that during his recent conversation with Dhoni, the latter was impressed with his Bhojpuri commentary during IPL 2024.

"MS Dhoni was praising the Bhojpuri commentary. 'Bahut hi gajabe commentary kar rahe Bhojpuriya me', to which I remarked that Haryanwi is equally impressive," Raina shared during his interaction on JioCinema.

In the match against Mumbai Indians, Dhoni once again turned the clock backwards giving a peek at his old version when he smashed MI captain Hardik Pandya for three consecutive sixes in the final over the CSK innings. His knock of 20* off 4 balls eventually turned out to be the deciding factor for the defending champions for that was the winning margin for the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side.