IPL 2024 is fixed?’ Fans accuse BCCI of setting Dhoni Farewell

Many fans believe the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are already ‘on script’ to feature in the playoffs and Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 final. The next IPL final is on schedule to hold at the CSK’s home stadium, giving fans a hint that it may be Dhoni’s farewell game.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) set Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium as the venue for this year’s IPL 2024 final. A fan on X (formerly Twitter) suggested that the final schedule proves that Dhoni will retire this season:

“Dhoni said his last game will be in Chennai. So you know now who is winning the IPL?” the fan commented.

When Did Dhoni Say His Last Game Will Be in Chennai?

MS Dhoni hinted at a desire to retire from IPL cricket in Chennai. The video made rounds right after the BCCI announced CSK’s stadium in the final schedule for IPL 2024 games.

Why are Fans So Concerned About MS Dhoni’s Retirement?

MS Dhoni is one of cricket’s best-ever players; hence, fans want a befitting sign-out from a top star. The cricketer has had an illustrious career at international and club level. He was once the skipper for Team India and won every championship available at that time with The Men in Blue.

Fans of his international and club career want him to bow out on a high. Many fans and analysts expected Dhoni to quit the IPL after winning the final in May 2023. But the veteran wicketkeeper-batter decided to play one more season to appreciate his fans. His teeming fans and admirers hope he ends his IPL career on a high at the 2024 edition. 

Did Fans Expect MS Dhoni to Be CSK Skipper at IPL 2024?

MS Dhoni shocked the cricket world when he handed over CSK’s captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad. No one expected India’s most-successful captain of all time to bow out of leadership duties in such fashion. The handover was confirmed through a statement from the CSK official website:  

“MS Dhoni has handed over Chennai Super Kings’ captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the start of TATA IPL 2024. Ruturaj has been an integral part of Chennai Super Kings since 2019 and has played 52 matches in IPL during this period,”

Dhoni has helped CSK to repeat IPL titles throughout his career before stepping down. His last full season as captain (in IPL 2023) saw him equal an impressive record of five (5) titles with one franchise. If all goes well for Dhoni and CSK clinch the IPL 2024, he would equal Ambati Rayudu’s six (6) individual IPL titles.

MS Dhoni Career Stats

MS Dhoni Batting and Fielding Stats

(Stats are accurate as of April 15, 2024)

MS Dhoni Bowling Stats

(Stats are accurate as of April 15, 2024)

Full Schedule for CSK at IPL 2024