MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) icon, is set to return for his 18th season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2024. This confirmation comes amidst widespread speculation that the upcoming season would mark his final appearance.
CSK has retained five players for the 2024 season, including Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, and Matheesha Pathirana. Notably, Dhoni has agreed to a significant salary cut, signing for Rs. 4 crore for the season. His retention falls under the ‘uncapped player’ category, following the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s reinstatement of a rule allowing teams to classify players as uncapped if they haven’t represented India in over five years.
CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanathan hinted at Dhoni’s future, suggesting that the former Indian captain aims to end his career at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. This aligns with Dhoni’s 2021 statement during a CSK victory celebration, where he expressed his desire to play his last game in Chennai.
“As far as Mahi bhai (brother) is concerned, you know he keeps everything to himself. It comes out at the last moment only. Knowing the passion he has for CSK, and also knowing the following he has, and he also mentioned in one of the interviews that he’ll play his last game in Chennai, we’re hoping that he will continue as far as CSK is concerned. As long as MS wants to play, the doors are open. Knowing him, his commitment, and his dedication, I’m sure he’ll always take the right decision,” said Viswanathan.
Dhoni, who led CSK since 2008, briefly joined Rising Pune SuperGiants in 2016 and 2017 before passing CSK’s captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the 2024 season.
