MS Dhoni is still producing some of his greatest cricket at the age of 41. He bats down in the order for the Chennai Super Kings, but he has been effortlessly belting sixes with a strike rate of over 210. And in CSK’s latest victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad, Dhoni once again shone behind the wickets, grabbing a record-breaking catch and contributing to two more dismissals. Throughout his four innings in the IPL 2023, he averages 59 and has a startling strike rate of 210.71. Along with his prowess on the field, Dhoni is renowned for his wit in press conferences and post-game speeches. After IPL games, he frequently makes comments that send his supporters into a frenzy.
Three examples of such statements are given below:
IPL 2021 – After winning the fourth IPL championship
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the IPL 2020 had to be relocated, and it was successfully held in the UAE. After starting in India, the 2021 IPL had to be delayed because of an increase in COVID cases, and the second half was moved to the UAE.
In 2021, CSK won the IPL championship four times. Dhoni gave his thoughts on his future in the IPL after the win. He spoke:
“I have always planned my cricket. The last game I played was in Ranchi. The last home game in ODI was at my hometown in Ranchi. So,hopefully, my last T20 will be in Chennai. Whether it’s next year or in five years time, we don’t really know”.
The large following of Dhoni was relieved by the aforementioned statement. There were rumors that Dhoni’s final IPL season would be in 2021. Fans were eagerly anticipating their “Thala” in Chepauk after the former Indian captain stated during the post-game presentation that he intends to play his final IPL game in Chennai.
IPL 2022: Resuming captaincy responsibilities in the IPL
For the IPL 2022 season, CSK’s captain will be Ravindra Jadeja. The team’s management decided to prepare him to take over as captain after MS Dhoni hangs up his boots. Jadeja only managed to win two out of the eight games while serving as captain, so he did not have much success. Midway through the season, Jadeja made the decision to return Dhoni to captaincy. The former Indian captain led CSK to a 13-run victory over SRH in his debut game as captain that year. Dhoni discussed the team’s transition following his retirement, Jadeja’s role as a potential future captain, and CSK’s success in the IPL 2022 in the post-match presentation.
IPL 2023 – Remarks about entering the final stretch of his career
On Friday, April 21, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) defeated the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their IPL 2023 match. MS Dhoni was open and forthright regarding his future as a player during the post-game address.
“Whatever said and done, last phase of my career, important to enjoy it. It feels good to be here. They [the Chennai crowd] have given a lot of love and affection. They always stay late to listen to me.”
The words made by the Indian icon swept social media. Fans all across the world began to speculate about his prospects for the IPL. If the cricketer from Ranchi will stay in the IPL after this season, only time will tell.
There is no doubt that Dhoni has irrevocably changed the game of cricket, despite the uncertainties surrounding his future. Numerous athletes and spectators have been motivated by his talent, commitment, and leadership, and his impact will likely last for many years to come.