3 Reasons why IPL 2023 could be his last IPL

MS Dhoni, the former captain of the Indian cricket team and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise, is one of the greatest cricketing legends of all time. Dhoni has been an integral part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception, leading CSK to three IPL titles and being the most successful captain in the tournament’s history. However, there are several reasons why IPL 2023 could be his last in the tournament. Here are three of them:

1. Dhoni’s desire to play one last match at Chepauk Stadium:

Chepauk Stadium in Chennai is Dhoni’s home ground, and he has a special connection with the stadium and its fans. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CSK was unable to play at Chepauk Stadium in the last two seasons of the IPL. However, in IPL 2021, CSK played all their home matches at Chepauk, and Dhoni expressed his desire to play one last match in front of his home crowd. He has now fulfilled this wish, and it could be a sign that he is ready to retire from the IPL.

2. Age catching up with Dhoni:

Dhoni is currently 41 years old, and age is catching up with him. In the previous IPL season, he was seen hobbling and carrying a niggle in one of the matches. Although Dhoni looks very capable at his age, it is evident that his reflexes and fitness levels are not what they used to be. This could be a sign that he is considering retiring from the IPL, especially since he has achieved everything there is to achieve in the tournament.

3. Dhoni’s future in Indian cricket team management:

The 2023 ODI World Cup is scheduled to be held in India, and the Indian cricket team management could be in need of an overhaul if the team does not perform well. This could be an opportunity for Dhoni to get involved in the team management as a mentor or even as a coach. He has already expressed his interest in coaching, and this could be the perfect opportunity for him to transition into a new role. If he decides to take up this opportunity, he may retire from the IPL to focus on his new role.