IPL is set to experience a major change as former India skipper MS Dhoni is expected to announce his retirement at the end of the 2023 season. Although Dhoni has not officially informed Chennai Super Kings (CSK), it is understood that he will play his last IPL match at the Chepauk Stadium in front of a home crowd. The CSK management is expecting an official announcement from Dhoni before the start of IPL. This year, IPL has returned to its traditional Home and Away format after an absence of three years.
CSK officials confirmed that IPL 2023 will be MS Dhoni’s last IPL season_ pic.twitter.com/m0YhviItvh— Jayprakash MSDian_ __ (@ms_dhoni_077) February 11, 2023
A CSK official said, “We believe this will be his last season as he wants to bid farewell to his favorite stadium. Anyway, we should have clarity by the start of IPL.” There has been a lot of speculation about Dhoni’s future in recent times, which intensified when he handed over the CSK captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja in 2022, only to take it back when Jadeja’s performances were not up to par. Dhoni may finally end his playing career in the mix with veteran skipper Ben Stokes and Ajinkya Rahane.
The official further said, “MS has not informed us about his decision and there is no pressure on him to do so. He is our leader and will do whatever is best for the team. As far as the management As far as MS is concerned, we have the right.” Full support if he continues beyond this season.”
This raises the question of succession for CSK. The team has three options – Ben Stokes, Ajinkya Rahane and young Ruturaj Gaikwad. Although Stokes is the favourite, his conditional NOC could pose a challenge. With his national team commitments, it is unlikely that Stokes will be available for the full duration of the IPL every season. Hence, CSK can look towards an Indian option that Stokes and Dhoni can groom for the future. Gaikwad, who has already led Maharashtra in domestic cricket, is an excellent candidate for the future.
CSK have two problems regarding Stokes. One, he is an overseas player and second, he is an all-rounder. Stokes is likely to get a conditional NOC if he does not bowl in every match. This means that CSK will have to play him as an overseas batsman in some matches. His past injury history may also force CSK to consider another player. While Rahane is another option, he has no guaranteed place in the CSK playing XI and is not as young as Gaikwad.
A CSK official commented, “Of course, we are very happy to have Ben Stokes. He is not only a match-winner but also a great leader. It is MS’s decision who he will nominate as his successor.” . With foreign players leading. Combination is always a problem in IPL. All-rounders can also be difficult to handle. If Ben doesn’t get NOC next year then it will be a problem. So, never rule out young Ruturaj May go.