IPL 2024: Ambati Rayudu, Robin Uthappa weigh in on MS Dhoni’s retirement plan for CSK icon

As speculation grows over the may retire Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star MS Dhoni from the Indian Premier League (IPL)former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu again Robin Uthappa express their opinions. As Dhoni is about to turn 43, fans and pundits alike want to know whether the legendary player will continue in the league or say goodbye.

Probably Dhoni’s last match in IPL

On Saturday, May 18, Dhoni played what many believe could be his last game in the IPL. CSK’s 27-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) led to the team failing to secure a place in the qualifiers. Despite the result, Rayudu and Uthappa, both former CSK players, suggested that this might not be the end for Dhoni, hinting at a possible return in IPL 2025.

Ambati Rayudu’s vision

Rayudu seemed sure that Dhoni has not played his last IPL match yet. He appealed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) keeping the impact players rule, which might make it easier for Dhoni to continue participating in the league.

“I don’t think this is his last game. I just don’t see you wanting to end on that note. He looked a little sad, even as he was leaving. That is not at all like MS Dhoni, he just wanted to qualify and finish at the highest level. But you never know about MS Dhoni, he might come back next year. With the role of an impact player again, it allows him to be able to get in those last few overs and really make that impact. BCCI better not remove the role of impact player because we still want to see MS Dhoni play. So, it’s up to the BCCI now. We want to see MS Dhoni playing or not,” Rayudu said to Star Sports.

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Robin Uthappa’s bold prediction

Uthappa confidently predicted that Dhoni will return in IPL 2025, noting that the former captain does not take the setback lightly.

“I don’t think we’ve seen the last of MS. He is not one to take these things lightly. He will come roaring back,” said Uthappa to JioCinema.

Uthappa also revealed that Dhoni has been dealing with a calf injury throughout the season, which has reduced his time at the crease, but revealed that he will come back stronger next year.

“Even counting, I saw him bat in the last 4 or 5 overs, there is a reason for that. He had a calf injury which at first they thought might be a niggle, but it was less serious than that. Because of that, he had to hold his own and he often does, in international cricket and in CSK, he found a way to be useful and contribute to CSK,” added Thappa.

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