MS Dhoni Gives New Update: After staying away from social media for a while, CSK captain MS Dhoni made a surprising post on Facebook as the IPL 2024 approaches. Dhoni, who is getting ready to play in the Indian Premier League again, caused a stir by appearing on social media on Monday. He hinted at taking on a new role in the Chennai Super Kings team for IPL 2024. Dhoni, who is 42 years old, is expected to play his last season this year, after saying he would return to the tournament following a successful season in 2023.
Many people anticipated Dhoni would come back as the team’s captain, but his post on social media has raised questions about his future with CSK. This unexpected move by MSD has left fans wondering about what is in store for him in the upcoming IPL season.
On Facebook, Dhoni expressed his excitement for the upcoming season and hinted at a new role. His last public appearance was at the pre-wedding festivals of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in Jamnagar. Dhoni was accompanied by his wife Sakshi and several Indian celebrities. At the event, he was seen learning dandiya with former CSK teammate Dwayne Bravo.
It’s worth mentioning that Dhoni has not joined the CSK training camp yet, which has already begun in Chennai. Players like Deepak Chahar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, and others have started their training sessions. Dhoni’s absence from the camp has raised curiosity about his plans and role in the upcoming IPL season.
Dhoni has won five IPL titles, making him one of the most successful captains in the tournament’s history alongside Rohit Sharma. However, nobody knows yet what his new role will be, and CSK fans are hoping it won’t involve a change in leadership. Dhoni might return as a mentor for the team in the 2024 season, if not as a player. He previously served as a mentor for the Indian cricket team during the T20 World Cup in 2021. Given that other former players like Gautam Gambhir have taken up mentorship roles, it’s a possibility for Dhoni too, but nothing is confirmed yet.
There is little chance of Dhoni taking on a mentorship role since he has already started training in the nets. Two years ago, before the IPL 2022 season opener, Dhoni stepped down as CSK captain, allowing Ravindra Jadeja to take over. However, after a poor start to the season, with CSK losing five games in a row, Dhoni was reinstated as captain. Despite their initial struggles, CSK, the defending champions, failed to qualify for the Playoffs. But under Dhoni’s leadership, they bounced back and won their fifth championship last year.
During the season, Dhoni played through pain due to an injured knee. He was often seen with an ice pack in the dressing room and reportedly received injections before matches. Despite this, he led the team to victory. After the IPL ended, Dhoni underwent knee surgery, indicating his intention to continue playing.
Dhoni retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020, over a year after playing his final match for India in the World Cup 2019 semifinal against New Zealand. Despite retiring from international cricket, he continued to play for CSK in the IPL. In 2020, CSK missed the Playoffs for the first time.
However, in the following year, Dhoni led the team to another trophy win. Dhoni holds the record for the most appearances in the IPL, having played in 250 matches. He has been the captain of CSK since the beginning, except for a brief period when he played for the Rising Pune Supergiants/Supergiant in 2016 and 2017 due to CSK’s suspension. When CSK returned to the IPL, Dhoni led them to victory in 2018 and a runner-up finish in 2019.
With over 5000 runs, Dhoni is the fifth-highest scorer among Indian players in the IPL, following Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, and Suresh Raina.
CSK, the defending champions, made some changes to their squad for IPL 2024. They released star players Ben Stokes, Dwaine Pretorius, Ambati Rayudu, and Kyle Jamieson before the new season. In the IPL auction, CSK had a busy day, acquiring players to strengthen their team.
Among their new signings were Rachin Ravindra, bought for Rs. 1.8 crore, and Shardul Thakur, who was acquired for Rs. 4 crore. Additionally, they roped in Daryl Mitchell for Rs. 14 crore, Sameer Rizvi for Rs. 8.40 crore, Mustafizur Rahman for Rs. 2 crore, and Avanish Rao Aravelly for Rs. 20 lakh.
These signings indicate CSK’s strategy to bolster their squad with a mix of experienced players and promising talent for the upcoming IPL season. The team aims to maintain its winning momentum and defend its title in the tournament.
Also Read: IPL Schedule 2024: MS Dhoni to Face Virat Kohli in Season Opener on March 22
