As the IPL 2024 season approaches its climax, speculation is rife about whether this could mark the end of the illustrious career of MS Dhoni with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Many fans and pundits are questioning if the upcoming match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will be Dhoni’s final appearance in the iconic yellow jersey.
Former CSK and India cricketer Robin Uthappa, however, has dismissed these rumours, expressing his belief that Dhoni is not ready to retire just yet. Uthappa is convinced that CSK will be motivated to disrupt RCB’s playoff aspirations in their last league game. Drawing from his experience with both franchises, Uthappa suggested that the retirement talk around Dhoni might be premature.
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“Regarding CSK, is this MS’s last run? Personally, I don’t think so,” Robin Uthappa stated on JioCinema. “But do they want to spoil RCB’s party? Definitely. Ruturaj Gaikwad, I think, would want to lead the team to the knockout stage in his first season as captain. That would be a huge confidence booster for him and CSK. It’s a long-term vision, so let’s see where that goes.”
The defending champions, CSK, have already concluded their final home game of the season. Their last league match against RCB, set to take place at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, carries significant implications. With RCB currently in sixth place and CSK in fourth, the outcome of this match will be crucial for both teams’ playoff chances.
A defeat for RCB would end their playoff hopes, while a win for CSK would secure their spot in the next stage. Even a narrow loss for CSK might be enough to qualify, thanks to their superior net run rate.
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Despite being 42 years old, Dhoni’s contributions this season have been remarkable. In 13 matches, he has scored 136 runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 226.66, often playing crucial roles in CSK’s victories. His record at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is particularly impressive, boasting an average of 125.33 and a strike rate of 184.31 against RCB.
As the tension builds towards this potentially historic match, fans are eagerly awaiting to see if Dhoni will add another memorable chapter to his storied career or if this will indeed be his swan song in the IPL.
