Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the former captain of both India and the Chennai Super Kings, is scheduled to visit London for treatment of a muscle tear injury, according to CSK sources, despite speculation of his retirement being rampant. After recovering, Dhoni will decide what to do next, according to the sources.
Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 Playoffs: CSK was ousted from the competition following a heartbreaking loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a game that was a do-or-die affair on Saturday.
The five-time champion won’t be playing in the IPL playoffs for just the third time. At the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the defending champions lost by a score of 27 runs, and as soon as M.S. Dhoni left the pitch with a score of 25 off 13 deliveries, rumours about his future began to circulate.
In the most recent development, though, sources with access to information told IANS that Dhoni would wait to announce his retirement till after undergoing surgery in London.
“After suffering from a muscular tear during the IPL, Dhoni may be going to London for surgery. Despite his limitations, he wishes to keep playing cricket and would make a decision regarding his future only after completing his five to six month recovery period from treatment, according to sources who spoke to IANS.
After getting past the shoddy beginning, CSK struggled in the middle overs while chasing 219 runs. Despite Rachin Ravindra’s 61 runs and Ravindra Jadeja’s undefeated 42, the reigning champion was unable to cross the finish line.
CSK finished the season with the same number of points as RCB in the league stage, but their inferior net run-rate prevented them from securing a spot.
Fans and pundits conjectured that Dhoni’s season with the team may be his last as CSK wraps up their IPL campaign, but the veteran has held his cards close to his chest and left for home following Sunday’s game.