Speculations have been rife that the 16th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) will mark the end of MS Dhoni’s professional cricket career.
Dhoni had called time on his international career in 2020 but has continued playing for CSK and will make his return to their homeground in IPL 2023 after a nearly three-year wait.
With the COVID-19 pandemic now on decline, the tournament will go back to the home-and-away format from this season. CSK will play their first home match at the Chepauk on April 3 against the Lucknow Super Giants.
Amid the speculations, former CSK cricketer Suresh Raina has said Dhoi might turn up for CSK next year as well.
Raina, who is currently playing for India Maharajas at the Legends League Cricket, was recently asked if he felt Dhoni could join him in the league featuring former cricketers from the next season onwards.
In response, the southpaw said: “I wish he could, but we’ll have to see what his commitments are. He can play the IPL next year as well, you never know.”
“He’s been batting well and looking fit, it depends on how the performance is this year. It may be a little challenging since him and (Ambati) Rayudu haven’t played the tournament since one year. I think the team is quite strong, a lot of young players are coming through the ranks. (Ruturaj) Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja), (Ben) Stokes, Deepak Chahar…and there are more young and dynamic players in that side. Let’s see how they play,” he added.
On being asked whether Dhoni picks his phone call, Raina replied: “He picks, we stay in touch (laughs). Haa…jamke practice kar rahe hai (yes, he’s been practicing really hard), you must have seen the videos of him (on CSK social media handles). The way he is playing the big shots (in the nets). I hope he does well and makes them win.”
Under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, Chennai Super Kings have lifted the IPL title four times while they have won the Champions League twice.
CSK will open their IPL 2023 campaign against the defending champions Gujarat Titans in the tournament opener on March 31.
