I don't think this is going to be MS Dhoni's last season with CSK: Robin Uthappa

As the ongoing IPL 2024 season enters its final stretch, speculation is rising about whether this could be legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni's last match with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Former CSK and India cricketer Robin Uthappa has quashed such rumours, stating that the former skipper is unlikely to bid adieu just yet. Uthappa expressed confidence that CSK will be keen to spoil Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) playoff hopes in their final league encounter.

Uthappa, who has played for both franchises, felt the retirement speculation around Dhoni was premature. 

“Coming to CSK, is this MS's last run? I don't think so, personally, I don't think so. But, do they want to spoil RCB's party? Definitely. Ruturaj, I think, would want to get to the knockout stage in his first season as captain. That will be a huge confidence booster for him and CSK. It's one for the long run. Let's see where that goes,” he said on JioCinema.

Also read: MS Dhoni visits RCB’s dressing room ahead of do-or-die clash, video goes viral

CSK have won seven out of their 13 games

The defending champions have already played their final home game of the season, and their last league match against RCB IS at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru could potentially be Dhoni's farewell. With RCB currently sitting sixth and CSK fourth, the match carries huge significance for both teams' playoff prospects. A loss for the hosts would eliminate them, while a win for CSK would seal their playoff berth. In fact, even if Gaikwad & Co lose by a smaller margin (approximately 10% deficit or lesser of the actual target), they will still qualify courtesy of their higher net run-rate (NRR).

Also read: CSK fans are MS Dhoni fans first, and CSK fans later: Ambati Rayudu

The numbers highlight Dhoni's impact, even at the age of 42. With 136 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 226.66 this season, his cameos have been pivotal for CSK. At the M Chinnaswamy, he averages a staggering 125.33 with a strike rate of 184.31 against RCB.