'It's the last phase of my career' - MS Dhoni's shocking statement on IPL retirement leaves fans stunned

Looking at MS Dhoni’s fitness, his ability to strike with the bat at the right time, especially in death overs under pressure, and his brilliance behind the stumps, it becomes difficult to believe that he is aged 41. The former India captain and skipper of the IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings has impressed one and all over the years and is still lauded for his masterclass.

In the ongoing season of the IPL 2023, Dhoni has put up some incredible performances with the bat, which includes hitting sixes in the death. While he has been terrific on the batting front, he showed a glimpse of his vintage self during the recently concluded game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 21, Friday, with his mind-blowing glovework.

Each year, spectators arrive in the stadium in the hopes that Dhoni will be wearing that yellow jersey one more time, and their wish is fulfilled when the CSK skipper walks into the field. Recently, he attended an event alongside some of his teammates and the head coach Stephen Fleming, where on being asked about his retirement plans, he said “There's lot of time to take that call, I don't want to put pressure on the coach right now.”

However, Dhoni stated on Friday that he is "in the last phase of his career," a revelation that shocked every Dhoni fan to the core. When presenter Harsha Bhogle asked about how he deals with the support and the loud roar that he receives from the crowd when he walks into Chepauk, he said:

“All said and done, it's the last phase of my career, however long I play. After two years, the fans have had the opportunity to come here and watch, feels good to be here. The crowd has given us a lot of love and affection. Not getting enough chances to bat, but no complaints.”

After every game, Dhoni leaves his fans wanting more. Be it any stadium across India, the Indian cricket fans go berserk when they get a glimpse of Dhoni, and that is what exactly has been happening at the IPL too. But one question that has been over everyone’s mind over the past few years is, which season will be Dhoni’s last, the answer to which no one is ready to hear anytime soon.

 Here's how Twitter reacted to Dhoni's statement:

͏͏ ͏Anbuselvan™🔥@Raj_twetz

it's the final phase of my career. So I'm enjoying it all..🥺💛 #MSDhoni𓃵

07:22 AM · Apr 22, 2023

122

`@kurkureter

it's the final phase of my career. So I'm enjoying it all -MS DHONI😭❤️

11:13 PM · Apr 21, 2023

6.5K535

`@rahulmsd_91

it's the final phase of my career.

11:26 PM · Apr 21, 2023

26346

Dennis🕸@DenissForReal

MS Dhoni said, "it's the final phase of my career. So I'm enjoying it all" 🥹

11:47 PM · Apr 21, 2023

1K108

𝐒𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐲𝐚𝐬𝐌𝐒𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐧™@Itzshreyas07

" it's the final phase of my career " - MS Dhoni

11:15 PM · Apr 21, 2023

811117

Abhishek@MSDianAbhiii

MS Dhoni said, "it's the final phase of my career. So I'm enjoying it all".

11:26 PM · Apr 21, 2023

1.5K163

𝐑 𝐈 𝐓 𝐈 𝐊 ᵈʰᵒⁿⁱ 🦁@Dhoni_Tweetz

MS Dhoni said, "it's the final phase of my career. So I'm enjoying it all". 😭💔

11:17 PM · Apr 21, 2023

21726

poorna_choudary@poornachoudary1

It's the final phase of my career. So I'm enjoying it all - @msdhoni 🥹💛 #Dhoni #MSDhoni

11:29 PM · Apr 21, 2023

19550

Dr Rajkumar@I_Raj13

MS Dhoni said, "it's the final phase of my career. So I'm enjoying it all". This statement now ruined my happiness of winning against SRH I'm gonna suffer withdrawal effect for sure

11:17 PM · Apr 21, 2023

205