Before Taking a Final Call... Here's the Latest Update on MS Dhoni's Retirement from IPL

Before making a final decision... Here's the latest update on MS Dhoni's retirement from IPL

Since Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were knocked out of IPL 2024, fans have been waiting to know if MS Dhoni played his last match in the lucrative league. Dhoni left quietly and was the first to head to Ranchi the next morning. Has he made his decision?

When MS Dhoni hit Yash Dayal for a 110-meter six to start the final over of the must-win match between CSK and RCB, many thought he would win the game for his team. But the bowler bounced back and dismissed him on the next ball, helping RCB qualify for the playoffs. After the match, Dhoni walked off quietly to the dressing room and reportedly was the first to leave for Ranchi on Sunday morning.

Has he played his last IPL match? Will he play again for CSK? These are questions fans are asking. According to the Times of India, the former CSK captain has asked the CSK management for a couple of months to decide on his availability for the next season. Notably, Dhoni wasn't fully fit in IPL 2024 as he batted very late, sometimes at number nine, with head coach Stephen Fleming saying they managed his workload due to a knee injury.

The Right to Match (RTM) card

"Dhoni hasn't told anyone in CSK that he's quitting. He has told management he will wait a couple of months before making a final decision," a source said. Moreover, the mega auction is set to happen before next season and teams must decide on retaining their players. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to decide on the number of retentions and whether to reintroduce the Right to Match (RTM) card option like in the 2018 mega auction.

The BCCI's decision is expected in the coming months and may influence Dhoni's choice about playing next season. Regarding retentions, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, and Matheesha Pathirana might be retained for CSK, with Shivam Dube also likely to be on the list.