IPL 2024: MS Dhoni yet to decide about his IPL retirement

The IPL 2024 season was anticipated to be the last hurrah for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni. However, his retirement may have been temporarily postponed after a bizarre sequence of events in CSK's final league match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, May 18.

Entering the game, it was widely expected that the iconic wicketkeeper-batter would be able to play his farewell match at the Chepauk Stadium as CSK were primed to secured a playoffs berth.

However, those hopes were shattered as RCB emerged victorious, eliminating Chennai. But an unusual incident during the tense run-chase provided a glimmer of hope that Dhoni's farewell could still be pushed back.

Also read: Dinesh Karthik explains how Dhoni's six helped RCB trump CSK to enter playoffs

The ball was lost and had to be replaced: CSK official

In the final over, the 42-year-old smashed a monstrous 110-meter six off Yash Dayal's bowling that sailed out of the ground. The new ball given to Dayal was dry and proved difficult to score off. 

"The ball was lost and had to be replaced. Dayal got a drier ball and suddenly hitting became difficult," a senior CSK official told TOI. This prevented Dhoni from clearing the ropes again and keeping his promise of playing his final IPL match at Chepauk.

Also read: MS Dhoni back in Ranchi after heartbreaking loss against RCB in Bengaluru - Watch

Visibly devastated after the loss, Dhoni walked back into the dressing room during the customary handshake post-match. However, CSK sources indicate the legendary cricketer has not definitively decided to retire yet.

"Dhoni has not told anybody in CSK that he is quitting. He has told the management that he will wait for a couple of months before taking a final call," a source close said.

Dhoni also flew back to his hometown Ranchi next day after the 27 loss against the Bengaluru-based franchise. Meanwhile, RCB became the fourth team to qualify for the playoffs, after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The 2016 finalists will square off against RR in Eliminator 1 on 22nd May in Ahmedabad.