It’s last phase of my career: MS Dhoni hints at retirement after CSK’s win over SRH, fans emotional

MS Dhoni was at his candid best after Chennai Super Kings clinched a comfortable victory over SunRisers Hyderabad in their IPL 2023 match on Friday, April 21 at Chepauk. From talking about the difficulty of handling Dwayne Bravo to making his feelings known about not getting the best catch of the match award, Dhoni was at his eloquent best during his post-match presentation ceremony.

However, MS Dhoni’s fans turned emotional on social media as the legendary skipper dropped a hint about retirement when asked about the support from the fans in Chennai for their home games.

MS Dhoni, 41, has continued to play in the IPL even after he announced his international retirement in August 2020. Despite not having played international cricket since July 2019, Dhoni has kept himself fit for the subsequent IPL seasons and even led the Super Kings to title in 2021.

IPL Points Table 2023

Dhoni himself put an end to speculation about his future in the IPL when he said he would return to lead Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2023. In fact, he had handed over CSK captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja at the start of IPL 2022, hinting at a succession plan at CSK. However, Jadeja handed the reigns back to Dhoni after a poor start to IPL 2022.

Speculation is rife once again even after MS Dhoni looked as fit as ever in the IPL 2023 season and Dhoni added to with his comments while thanking the Chepauk crowd. Notably, Dhoni and CSK have got a roaring reception from the crowd at the MA Chidambaram Stadium as the 4-time champions returned to play at home for the first time since 2019.

“Whatever said and done, it’s the last phase of my career, however long I play. It’s very important to enjoy it,” Dhoni said.

“IPL… after two years, the fans have had the opportunity to come here and watch. It’s a full house and the new stands are good. So, it feels good to be here. We haven’t played at Chennai a lot, as I said at the start of the season. The crowd has given us a lot of love and affection. They always stay back to hear me out (presentation speech). Not getting enough chances to bat, but no complaints. The guys are doing a fantastic job,” he added.

"Whatever said and done, last phase of my career, important to enjoy it. It feels good to be here. They have given a lot of love and affection. They always stay late to listen to me."

– MS DHONI @MSDhoni #MSDhoni #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/yjtCAVUqne

— DHONIsm (@DHONIism) April 21, 2023

I am at the Last phase of My career MS Dhoni pic.twitter.com/Oi9C5skI2X

— Rahul (@77of96) April 21, 2023

"Last phase of my career, important to enjoy it"
– MS Dhoni

It's more or less last season for MS .

— 𝑻𝑯𝑨𝑳𝑨 (@Vidyadhar_R) April 21, 2023

Despite the passing years, MS Dhoni has turned back the clock in IPL 2023. The World Cup-winner has hit 6 sixes, playing impactful cameos down the order. He has been striking at over 200 this season.

CSK retained their 3rd spot in the IPL 2023 points table with their 4th win on Friday. The 4-time champions next face Kolkata Knight Riders in Kolkata on Sunday, April 23.