Chennai Super Kings (CSK) took to Twitter to pay an emotional tribute to their skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on completing 15 years at the franchise, citing the two-time World Cup winning captain as 'Thala'. The 2023 season of Indian Premier League (IPL) will most likely be MS Dhoni's last year with Chennai Super Kings. Dhoni is still regarded as the most important player in the franchise.
CSK, under Dhoni's captaincy, has won four IPL trophies in the year 2010, 2011, 2018, and 2021. The legendary wicket-keeper has been leading the franchise since 2008.
CSK's official Twitter account cited, "The happening of a phenomenon 15 years ago! When Thala stepped into our lives in Yellove! #WhistlePodu #VaaThala #Yellove."
Chennai Super Kings will aim to do better this year, compared to the disastrous season they had last year. The four-time IPL winners could win just four out of 14 matches in IPL 2022.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday released schedule of the upcoming season of IPL 2023. The first match of IPL 2023 will be played on March 31 between defending champions Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings. IPL 2023 final will be played on 28th May.
There's a chance that Dhoni might play his last IPL game on May 14 at Chennai's iconic Chepauk Stadium. If CSK fails to qualify for the playoffs, then Dhoni's farewell match could be against Kolkata Knight Riders (CSK vs KKR).
As per a report in InsideSport, CSK management expects Dhoni to officially inform about his IPL retirement decision before the start of the tournament.
“We believe it will be his last as he wants to say goodbye at his favourite stadium. In any case, we should have clarity by the start of IPL,” a CSK official told InsideSport.
If MS Dhoni calls it time on his playing career in Indian Premier League, the frontrunners to replace him as CSK captain are Ajinkya Rahane and Ben Stokes. Both are natural leaders and have vast playing experience but don't have age by their side.