Former CSK player Ambati Rayudu has said that we have not seen the end of MS Dhoni in the Indian Premier League despite CSK’s loss to RCB in their final IPL 2024 league match on Saturday, May 18.
CSK needed to ensure the loss margin didn't exceed 18 runs; however, the side was restricted to 191/7 in a 219-run chase, thus paving the way for the RCB to reach the knockout stage for the ninth occasion in IPL history.
The defending champions required 17 runs in the final over bowled by Yash Dayal to qualify for the playoffs. MS Dhoni started the over by hitting Dayal for a 110-m six with the ball going out of the stadium. But Dayal made a spectacular comeback, dismissing MS Dhoni for 25 runs, and then gave just one run away in his next four balls to give RCB an amazing win.
Following the match, there was widespread speculation that Dhoni had played his final IPL match; while the CSK legend has been brilliant with his batting cameos and wicketkeeping this year, the 42-year-old has been nursing an injury and was seen using an ice pack on multiple occasions after the matches.
Former India batter Ambati Rayudu expressed his belief that Dhoni has not played his last match and advocated for the BCCI to continue with the impact player rule in the future to help MS Dhoni continue playing in the IPL.
"I don't think this is his last game. I just don't see him wanting to end on this note. He looked a little frustrated, even when he got out. That's very unlike MS Dhoni, he just wanted to qualify and finish on a high. But you never know with MS Dhoni, he might come back next year.
With the impact player role as well, it allows him to be able to come in those last few overs and truly make that impact. BCCI better not remove the impact player role because we still want to see MS Dhoni play. So, it's up to BCCI now. Do we want to see MS Dhoni play or not,” Rayudu said on Star Sports.
While Kolkata Knight Riders and RCB have confirmed their first and fourth spot, respectively, on the points table, the battle is still on for the 2nd and 3rd positions with Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad in contention.
