Will it be MS Dhoni’s last IPL? CSK coach Stephen Fleming lifts the lid

Even if there is the slightest possibility of IPL 2023 being Dhoni’s last, CSK would want to give their skipper a befitting farewell.

Will it be MS Dhoni’s last IPL? CSK coach Stephen Fleming lifts the lid

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has used words like “farewell” and “last phase of career” which have forced fans to think if this is his last appearance in the Indian Premier League (IPL). While Dhoni has not said anything outright in this regard, CSK coach Stephen Fleming spoke about Dhoni’s last IPL season.

Fleming was asked if the CSK captain has conveyed any message to the team management about his last IPL season after Chennai’s defeat against Punjab on Sunday. The CSK coach revealed that Dhoni has not conveyed any such message as of now. “No, he has not indicated anything” was Fleming’s blunt response to the query about Dhoni’s last IPL season.

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Although Dhoni himself has not said anything and the CSK coach too has denied all such claims, fans are treating IPL 2023 as Dhoni’s last. Just like in previous editions, Dhoni fans are turning out in large numbers to show their support for Thala. Not just at home (Chepauk), Dhoni fans with yellow t-shirts and flags are outnumbering any opposition crowd, be it the Eden Gardens, the Wankhede, or the Chinnaswamy.

Related: “He knows his limitations,” Sanjay Manjrekar heaps praise on MS Dhoni for managing his team and himself ‘cleverly’

Dhoni too was overwhelmed by the sea of fans during CSK’s away game against KKR. “I will just say thanks for the support, they came in big numbers. Most of these guys will come in a KKR jersey next time. They are trying to give me a farewell, so thanks a lot to the crowd,” Dhoni had said at the post-match presentation.

Will Dhoni get a befitting farewell?

ms dhoni farewell

Even if there is the slightest possibility of IPL 2023 being Dhoni’s last, CSK would want to give their skipper a befitting farewell. Dhoni has been associated with Chennai right from the inception of the tournament. He has also led CSK to four IPL titles. However, CSK had a terrible outing last time around when they finished in the ninth position. So, with this edition faring decently, CSK and their fans would like the perfect farewell for Dhoni.

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