IPL 2024: Is this the last season of MS Dhoni? Big question raised after leaving captaincy

On Thursday, a day before the inauguration of the Indian Premier League 2024, Chennai Super Kings made a big announcement. The franchise handed over the captaincy of Chennai Super Kings to young Ruturaj Gaikwad in place of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. This means that Dhoni will be seen on the field as a player in the 17th season. In such a situation, speculations are being made whether this is Dhoni’s last season.

Franchisee issued statement

Chennai Super Kings said in an official statement, “MS Dhoni has handed over the captaincy of Chennai Super Kings to Ruturaj Gaikwad before the start of Tata IPL 2024. Ruturaj has been an integral part of Chennai Super Kings since 2019 and has played 52 matches in the IPL during this period.” It is clear from the statement of the franchise that Dhoni himself has decided to leave the captaincy, there was no pressure on him to leave the captaincy. After leaving the captaincy, Dhoni may soon say goodbye to IPL also.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT: MS Dhoni hands over captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad. #WhistlePodu #Yellove

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 21, 2024

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is 42 years old. He is continuously demoting himself in batting. Many times last season, he looked very tired after running between the wickets. Dhoni had undergone knee surgery after winning the last season. After this he is now ready to make a comeback. Fans believe that if Dhoni has left the captaincy then he should not play all the matches of the upcoming season.

Chennai won the title five times.

CSK has won the IPL title 5 times under the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The franchise lifted the trophy under Mahi in the years 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023. Talking about Captain Cool’s performance in IPL, he has scored 5082 runs in 217 innings of 250 matches. During this period he has also scored 24 fifties. His highest score in IPL is 84 runs.