MS Dhoni could reportedly retire from all forms of cricket after this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL). The former India skipper, on Saturday, announced his retirement from international cricket. His future with Team India was a major talking point since last year’s World Cup ended. And although, his days in international cricket were numbered, not many had expected the 38-year old to retire all of a sudden.
But then again, MS Dhoni’s love for springing surprises is not a secret and the legendary cricketer lived up to his reputation once again. Well, the wicketkeeper-batsman could spring another surprise in the coming days.
If reports are to be believed then, he could announce retirement from all forms of the game after IPL 2020. As per a report in the Times of India, MS Dhoni could actually quit the sport entirely as a player with an IPL trophy in hand this term. The development comes just a couple of days after Chennai Super Kings CEO stated that MS Dhoni would play IPL till 2022.
“No idea where that one came from. But that’s MSD, isn’t it,” a senior Super Kings official told the news outlet.
“T20 World Cup would’ve been ideal, but considering that’s not happening now, he’ll want to walk away with an IPL trophy for CSK,” he added.
The report further stated that the Chennai Super Kings skipper was looking to hang up his boots after this year’s T20 World Cup, which was supposed to take place in Australia but the COVID-19 pandemic saw it being postponed.
“That was the original plan. He would prepare for the T20 World Cup by way of participating in the IPL and then go forward from there. All of that got disrupted by Covid,” say those in the know.
“The commercial arrangements were due to arrive at a certain inflexion point post the T20 World Cup and that would’ve eventually seen his exit anyway.
“He just fell short of another proverbial crease because T20 was supposed to be his final swansong,” the friend added.
MS Dhoni has been leading Chennai Super Kings since the inaugural season and has led the franchise to three titles. Under him, the Super Kings have made it to the playoffs in all the seasons they have played so far. Last year, they made it to the final where they lost to Mumbai Indians.
Meanwhile, the upcoming edition of the IPL will mark the return of MS Dhoni in action. He has not played a single competitive game since the World Cup ended in July last year.