As Chennai Super Kings (CSK) got knocked out of the playoffs race by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on May 18, there were speculations that MS Dhoni will retire. Dhoni could not take CSK to the playoffs despite his 13-ball 25 cameo as the visitors lost to RCB by 27 runs. The 42-year-old has returned to Ranchi and is tight-lipped over his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL). Amidst speculations, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan in a conversation with Sports Tak revealed that Dhoni hasn’t said anything yet and he won’t be asked by the franchise to hang his boots.
“He hasn't said anything to us and we can't ask him about it as it is our policy. Once he will be ready with the decision, he will inform us and make the announcement. But, as of now, he hasn't said anything about his future with CSK,” Viswanathan said.
Dhoni took CSK close to the target they needed to qualify for the playoffs. In the last over, CSK needed 17 runs to keep their net run rate (NRR) above RCB. The hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batter hit Yash Dayal’s hip high full toss for a 110m six. As Dhoni hit the biggest six of the season, the ball went outside the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, the ball change went in RCB’s favour as Yash Dayal was able to pull off his back of the hand slower balls. He dismissed Dhoni on the second delivery and conceded just one run off the next four to seal his side’s spot in the playoffs.
Controversy around Dhoni after CSK got knocked out
After the game, Dhoni became the centre of controversy. He waited for RCB players to finish their celebrations for a while and then left without shaking hands with everyone. He met RCB’s support staff and walked up to the dressing room.
While Dhoni has been criticised for not waiting long enough for the customary handshake, former England captain Michael Vaughan feels that RCB players should have understood and cut-short their celebrations to shake hands with Dhoni before going overboard. He also said that RCB players may regret it if this turns out to be Dhoni’s last IPL appearance.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
