MS Dhoni Not Retiring after IPL 2023 CSK CEO Update

With recent rumors gaining steam, it seems Chennai Super Kings legend, MS Dhoni, may not be retiring after all. The Dhoni IPL not retiring rumors started after his cheeky remarks in a recent interview. Dhoni suggested that the media are behind rumors of his impending retirement. His response sparked a frenzy of comments claiming he may not be retiring after IPL 2023.

MS Dhoni has managed to keep fans, teammates, opponents, and commentators guessing about his career after IPL 2023. Countless blogs and media reports “confirmed” Dhoni’s retirement for several months, but there might be a twist at IPL 2023 draws to a close.

What Update Does the CSK CEO Have about Dhoni IPL Not Retiring Rumors?

Many people seem to accept Dhoni’s impending retirement, but the player hasn’t come out to confirm any report. Commentators and fans expect Dhoni to end his IPL career at the end of this season. However, the player only calls this part of his career the “last phase”.

The CEO of Chennai Super Kings has also come out to quench rumors of Dhoni retiring after IPL 2023. In his own words, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan suggested that Dhoni could play at IPL 2024 and beyond:

“That is my guess, hunch. He has not told us either way but the way he played and led the side, I personally think he will play next year as well“

The CEO also commented that Dhoni’s silence about retirement to CSK means the 41-year-old star will keep playing at IPL 2024.

Why Does CSK Want to Keep MS Dhoni Out of Retirement after IPL 2023?

CSK’s CEO is currently dreaming of another season with the legendary MS Dhoni

Stellar on-pitch performance

Dhoni’s excellent on-pitch performance and leadership skills make him a perfect fit for the CSK skipper role at IPL 2024. Fans and commentators continue to suggest replacements for the captain; however, it’s almost certain CSK will want Dhoni as their on-pitch leader for one more season.

Title winner

MS Dhoni has been in every CSK title-winning squad since the IPL started way back in 2008. His massive haul of trophies and champion mentality might be what CSK need to go for a title charge in IPL 2024.

The franchise will be more than glad to keep Dhoni in action for at least one more season.

Perfect fit as skipper

The search for CSK’s skipper has heated in recent months with several players standing as contenders to take Dhoni’s current role. However, the search for a suitable CSK skipper hasn’t gone to plan.

Prodigies like Ruturaj Gaikwad are seen as too young to hold such a clutch position in the IPL just yet. Other older players like Ravindra Jadeja may not have what it takes to deliver a match-winning performance at all times for CSK.

Dhoni opting to remain as CSK skipper for IPL 2024 will give his franchise more time to choose top options for the captain’s role.

Many records

MS Dhoni is one of the IPL’s greatest-ever players and a top performer in the cricket game overall. He has several exciting records under his belt that may be impossible for today’s players to match or surpass.

Some of Dhoni’s impressive records include:

Costliest player at the first IPL auction – cost the Chennai Super Kings a massive $1.5 million in 2008; was the IPL’s most expensive player for years
First captain of the Chennai Super Kings – MS Dhoni got the captaincy of CSK immediately after his move at the 2008 IPL auction
Most finals as captain – MS Dhoni has played in ten (10) IPL finals throughout his career as of the 2022 season; he has played nine (9) finals for the CSK and one final for Rising Pune Supergiants (in 2017)
Most IPL matches as captain – Dhoni has been an IPL team captain for over 210 matches combined
Most IPL matches won as captain – MS Dhoni currently holds the record for victories as a skipper for an IPL franchise with 120+ wins to his name
Second-most runs as captain – Dhoni’s winning mentality shows in his match