Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have withdrawn from the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) play-offs after losing their final league match of the campaign to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Saturday. The result meant that CSK's Net Run Rate was slightly lower than RCB's, and therefore the Faf du Plessis-led side continued despite the two teams sitting on 14 points each. CSK fans were not only saddened by their team's elimination but also by the fact that they might have seen the last of MS Dhoni. However, a CSK official has now revealed that Dhoni has not yet communicated with the franchise regarding his possible retirement.
Speaking to the Times of India, a senior CSK official explained that the turnover in the final over of the match, after Dhoni hit a six from 110 yards, played a big role in his team's defeat against RCB. In the process, Dhoni failed to fulfill his promise of lifting the IPL trophy in Chepauk.
“The ball was lost and had to be replaced. Dayal got a drier ball and hitting suddenly became difficult,” said a senior CSK official.
The report also reveals that Dhoni returned to Ranchi on Sunday itself and was the first from the CSK camp to go home after being devastated by the result against RCB.
On the big question surrounding Dhoni's future, a source told the paper that Thala has not told anyone at the franchise about his plans. He informed management that he would wait a few months before making the final call.
“Dhoni has not told anyone at CSK that he is quitting. He has told the management that he will wait a few months before making a final call,” the report quoted a source as saying. “He didn't feel any discomfort while running between the wickets and that's a plus.”
The 'Impact Player' rule, which has drawn criticism from some active cricketers, is also likely to play a role in Dhoni's call for retirement. If the rule is upheld, Dhoni can continue as it gives him the freedom to do a specific job with the team. If the rule is abolished, the return of the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman could be difficult.
“We will wait for Dhoni's communication. He always has the best interests of the team at heart, let's see what happens,” the CSK official concluded.
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