Ravi Shastri Confirms MS Dhoni's Retirement After IPL 2024

MS Dhoni is playing as a player in IPL 2024 [x.com]MS Dhoni is playing as a player in IPL 2024 [x.com]

In a recent revelation, former Indian cricketer and renowned coach Ravi Shastri has disclosed that the ongoing IPL 2024 season will mark the final campaign for cricketing legend MS Dhoni. As the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) gear up for a clash against the Delhi Capitals on Sunday, all eyes will be on Dhoni, who relinquished the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad.

During an interview on Star Sports, Shastri emphasised that Dhoni’s continued participation in the tournament hinges upon his physical fitness and endurance.

IPL 2024 to be last of MS Dhoni: Ravi Shastri

"This is MS Dhoni’s last season okay, very clear. You know, it depends on how his body copes with everything, whether he plays the whole season or doesn’t play the whole season, only time will tell.” 

Although Dhoni is yet to showcase his batting prowess in the IPL 2024, his role behind the stumps has been instrumental for the five-time champions. 

Shastri highlighted Dhoni’s approach towards Gaikwad’s captaincy, indicating that the veteran cricketer will offer the young leader the freedom to execute his strategies while intervening when necessary. 

“But what he has done is that he said, I [Dhoni] don’t want to give the job to Ruturaj halfway through the tournament. Be in the hot seat from the outside, I am watching from the back, if he needs some help I’m there to help him out. But I [Shastri] think as compared to the year when Jadeja was captain, MS will take more and more of the backseat and probably contribute just in a little way between the drinks break or something like that," he further said.

In contrast to Dhoni’s more assertive style during Ravindra Jadeja’s captaincy, Shastri suggested that Dhoni will assume a more passive role, providing guidance from the sidelines. This transition signifies a shift in Dhoni’s approach as he embraces a mentorship role within the team.

Talking about CSK performance in the ongoing IPL 2024 under Ruturaj Gaikwad's captaincy, CSK has won both their matches at home in Chepauk.