Speculations are rife that the four-time Indian Premier League (IPL) winning skipper MS Dhoni is playing his career's last IPL as a player, this season. Sunday's IPL 2023 match between Kolkata and Chennai saw huge numbers of fans wearing Chennai Super Kings' yellow jersey as they paid tribute to the legendary wicketkeeper batter, in what could be his final appearance at iconic Eden Gardens. Chennai Super Kings defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by 49 runs to move atop in IPL 2023 Points Standings. However, as soon as the match was over, Dhoni yet again indicated that he would retire from IPL after the ongoing edition.
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Kolkata's favourite son-in-law MS Dhoni believes fans at Eden Gardens probably wanted to give him a fitting "farewell"
"I will just say thanks for the support, they came in big numbers. Most of these guys will come in a KKR jersey next time. They are trying to give me a farewell, so thanks a lot to the crowd," Dhoni kept it open-ended even as he took a picture with all groundsmen, one last time.
This is not the first time when Dhoni has hinted about retiring from IPL after the 2023 season. Even after CSK's last fixture, Dhoni had said that he is at the last stage of his career. Under Dhoni's captaincy in IPL 2023, CSK have so far won 5 out of their 7 matches to move to the number one position in IPL 2023 points table, with 10 points.
Chennai Super Kings entry into IPL 2023 playoffs is now almost certain as they now need only three more wins to qualify for the playoffs. Looking at the form in which CSK players are in, it seems that the yellow army will easily end in the top three or even as table toppers by the end of league stage matches.