The whole gist of the IPL 2023 has been that this year’s tournament is the last of CSK captain MS Dhoni. However, the 41-year-old made a big statement on Wednesday, at the toss in Lucknow, and this has got the fans going crazy!!
The Lucknow Super Giants hosted the Chennai Super Kings in a day game in Lucknow. And, unsurprisingly, as has been the case throughout the tournament wherever CSK travels, the away venue seemed a home venue for CSK as most of the Ekana stadium had yellow jerseys all over with number 7 on the back. The fans paying their tribute to MS Dhoni believing that the IPL 2023 is finally the last tournament for the Ranchi-born.
MS Dhoni, though, seems to have not decided it yet!
At the toss, host Danny Morrison indirectly nudge Dhoni about the possibility of this being his last IPL, by saying that he’s enjoying the support of the yellow fans army in his swansong season. Dhoni’s response won the heart of all fans as he said: “Well, you have decided it’s my last,” effectively meaning that he still hasn’t decided yet.
Morrison and Dhoni both burst into laughter before Morrison exulted for the crowd that “HE WILL BE BACK NEXT YEAR”
Watch: A funny conversation as MS Dhoni keeps his cards close to his heart about retirement
MSD keeps everyone guessing 😉
The Lucknow crowd roars to @msdhoni's answer 🙌🏻#TATAIPL | #LSGvCSK | @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/rkdVq1H6QK
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 3, 2023
With the bat, MS has been in sensational touch, playing the role of a proper finisher and coming very late in the innings to make a big impact in less deliveries.
He’s cracked 74 runs in 35 balls in 6 innings, remaining 5 times unbeaten, importantly, at a strike rate of 211. In the 35 balls he’s faced so far, Dhoni has smashed 8 sixes and 2 fours, 2 sixes off which came on the last two balls off Sam Curran against Punjab Kings, and also 2 consecutive sixes to Mark Wood earlier this season.
CSK have won 5 matches out of 9, slipping from top of the points table to number 4.
