IPL 2024: MS Dhoni to play his last match? CSK requests fans to stay back after clash vs RR

Ahead of the final home game of the season, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday (May 12) requested its fans to stay back in the stadium after the end of the match against Rajasthan Royals (RR). The franchise released a statement saying it had "planned somethingspecial", and it needed fans to hang around.

There has been a huge demand of tickets for CSK's final league match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Speculations are rife that it could be MS Dhoni's last hurrah in front of the passionate Chepauk crowd as a place in the top 4 is not yet guaranteed for CSK.

"Requesting the Superfans to Stay back after the game!Something special coming your way!" read the statementby CSK.

🚨🦁 Requesting the Superfans to Stay back after the game! 🦁🚨

Something special coming your way! 🙌🥳#CSKvRR #YellorukkumThanks 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/an16toRGvp — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 12, 2024

Dhoni on his future

Dhoni is a five-time champion with CSK, having led the franchise since its inception. Quizzed last year about his retirementafter CSK won the final against Gujarat Titans, Dhoni said he wanted to come back for the fans one more time.

“Circumstantially if you see, this is the best time to announce my retirement. But the amount of love and affection I have been shown wherever I have been this year, the easy thing would be for me to say ‘Thank you very much’, but the tough thing for me is to work hard for another ninemonths and come back and play at least onemore season of IPL,” Dhoni told commentator Harsha Bhogle.

"A lot depends on the body, I have 6-7 months to decide. It will be more like a gift from my side, it's not easy for me but that's a gift. The way they've shown their love and affection, I think that's something I need to do for them," he added.

Dhoni underwent a knee surgery and despite playing no professional cricket since then, has been one of the most dangerous death-over batters in the league.

Raina makes bold claim

Earlier this season, Dhoni's close friend and former teammate, Suresh Raina, claimed that Dhoni will be back for IPL 2025. Quizzedduring a discussion on Jio Cinema if the ex-CSK skipper will turn up in 2025, Raina gave a one-word reply.

"Khelenge (He'll play)," said Raina with a wry smile.

Raina's former Indian teammate RP Singh, sitting beside him also agreed that Dhoni might give the fans another year of his services.

"It doesn't seem like this will be his last season," said Singh.

If CSK do advance to the playoffs, there could be a possibility that the Chepauk crowd might get to witness Dhoni in action again. Qualifier 2 and the big final will be taking place in Chennai - meaning, Dhoni could be there for his swansong.

(With inputs from agencies)