'MS Dhoni to retire from IPL?' - Fans predict CSK skipper is playing his last IPL season

The former Indian captain MS Dhoni had shocked the entire cricket fraternity by announcing the news of his retirement from all the three formats of international cricket on August 15, 2020. Drawing curtains to his illustrious international career of 16 years, Dhoni had taken sudden retirement after being on a sabbatical from the game for over one year. This time there are strong rumors that the former Indian skipper is playing his last season in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The three-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are having an underwhelming season thus far in the 13th edition of the T20 extravaganza with just three wins in ten games thus far. The franchise is on the verge of being the first team to get eliminated from the league. On October 23, Friday, the MS Dhoni-led squad tasted a humiliating defeat against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) by as many as 10 wickets.

The Yellow Army lost the toss and were sent to bat first. In the first six, they were reduced to a paltry total of 24 for the loss of five wickets. It was the first time in the IPL history that CSK lost its first 5 wickets in the powerplay. The pacers Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah were on a roll as they took four and two wickets respectively. Owing to a decent knock by Sam Curran of 52 off 47 deliveries, CSK could reach the score of 114 for the loss of nine wickets.

MS Dhoni gifts his cricket jersey to Pandya Brothers

Chasing a target of 115 was no big thing for the Mumbai-based franchise despite the absence of their captain Rohit Sharma. Ishan Kishan emerged as a hero for MI with his quickfire innings of 68* off 37 while Quinton de Kock also played a vital cog by smashing 46* off 37. MI completed the run-chase with 46 balls to spare and climbed at the top of the table.

Meanwhile, the Pandya Brothers Krunal Pandya and Hardik Pandya had a memorable day as after the game they got their hands on MS Dhoni’s CSK cricket jersey.

A memorabilia to cherish for the Pandya brothers 👌👌#Dream11IPL pic.twitter.com/Yl34xsh4OH

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) October 23, 2020

The 39-year-old Mahi had also given his No 7 jersey to England’s superstar Jos Buttler after the match against Rajasthan Royals on October 19, Monday.

As Dhoni is gifting his cricket jerseys to many players, the people on social media are left wondering if this is the last time the former Indian captain is gracing the match field as a player. There are various speculations about Mahi’s last season in IPL and the incidents like these are only hinting about the same.

Here’s how fans reacted to MS Dhoni’s gesture

He's gonna take retirement from IPL also….. Damn sure

— PKMKB (@pkmkb1971) October 23, 2020

Should consider him retired from 22:29 ?

— Aanish Bhardwaj (@AanishBhardwaj) October 23, 2020

Giving away T-shirt’s means he is not going to play next years IPL ?

— Surya (@smsurya) October 23, 2020

Why he is giving t-shirts, may be sign of last few matches of legend, end of era. Will be missed ☹️

— Praveen SIKARLION (@Erpraveen_aero) October 23, 2020

Looks like an Era end for MSD .. Really miss his Shots @ChennaiIPL

— Venkata Rambabu (@pvrambabu) October 23, 2020

Feel sorry for Dhoni… I didn't want to see him leave cricket this way…He was and will be the greatest Indian cricketer ever…

— Hameed Pasha حمیدپاشا (@whitecrescent) October 23, 2020

Is MSD planning to retired?? 🤔 giving his jersey to other player in every matches..

— Mr. HP (@Hemapratap95) October 23, 2020

Dhoni giving off his jerseys is an indication this might be his last ipl?

— Chaitanya (@IamCK12) October 23, 2020

#MSDhoni Handing out your jersey to all opposing teams, upcoming retirement MSD?

— Ritesh N (@ritesh2077) October 23, 2020

Retirement ?

— Mishra Advaya 🇮🇳 (@sbjsjsnsjsjjsk) October 23, 2020