After Chennai Super Kings' exit from the IPL 2024 playoffs, speculations about the retirement of veteran wicketkeeper batsman MS Dhoni have gained momentum. CSK lost their league match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by 27 runs. With this, RCB became the fourth team to qualify for the playoffs. Former CSK batsman Ambati Rayudu has given a big statement regarding Dhoni's IPL retirement. Rayudu says that whether Dhoni will play next year or not is now in the hands of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Before the start of the current season, Dhoni had handed over the captaincy of CSK to Ruturaj Gaikwad.
what did rayudu say
Rayudu said that Dhoni looked very disappointed when he was out. This was not Dhoni's style. This shouldn't be his last season. They should play next season and win IPL. He would like to end his career at the top. Players like him come only once in a generation. Rayudu also expressed hope that maintaining the key player rule will make it easier for Dhoni to remain a part of the team. According to the Impact Player rules an Impact Player may substitute any member of the playing eleven at any time during the game.
Dhoni may make a comeback again next year
The former batsman said, 'You cannot predict anything about Dhoni. It may come back again next year. Due to the impact player rule, he may get a chance to bat in the last few overs. BCCI should maintain this rule because we want to see Dhoni playing. Now the decision is in the hands of BCCI whether we will see Dhoni playing or not, let us tell you that Dhoni scored 161 runs in IPL 2024 at an average of 53.67 and strike rate of 220.55. He came to bat lower in the order and remained unbeaten eight times. He scored 25 runs in 13 balls against RCB. As long as Dhoni was at the crease, the RCB camp was holding its breath.