Definitely not: Sunil Gavaskar guidelines out MS Dhoni retirement after IPL 2022

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar mentioned he’s hopeful that MS Dhoni will return to play for Chennai Super Kings within the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2023. Gavaskar’s feedback got here after CSK have been knocked out of the playoffs race by Mumbai Indians after the holders misplaced Match 59 of IPL 2022 by 5 wickets on the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Gavaskar mentioned Dhoni’s performances in IPL 2022 present he’s nonetheless eager and enthusiastic concerning the recreation and that he’s “definitely not” going to hold up his boots. Dhoni retired from worldwide cricket in 2020 however the World Cup-winning former skipper has continued to signify CSK within the IPL.

Dhoni was CSK’s top-scorer on Thursday with an unbeaten 36 as he unsuccessfully tried to bat the complete quota of 20 overs with the tail. CSK have been bundled out for 97, solely the 2nd time they’ve posted a complete of lower than 100 in IPL historical past after the top-order was rocked by Daniel Sams and Jasprit Bumrah.

Dhoni has scored 199 runs in 12 matches at a mean of 39.80 and he has been putting at over 130. The 40-year-old took followers down reminiscence lane on a number of events, hitting these large ones. Dhoni even efficiently completed video games greater than as soon as for CSK.

“Well, I mean, look at the way he has played. He is clearly showing he is very keen, still enthusiastic about the game,” Gavaskar advised Star Sports.

” On the field, it was quite telling today. He was running from one end to the other end, which means he was keen. He senses an opportunity when those 2 or 3 early wickets fell. We have seen him doing this very regularly.

“Which means ‘undoubtedly not’. Yes (he’ll proceed), that’s precisely what he mentioned when he was requested about it (in 2020),” he added.

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Gavaskar referred to Dhoni’s popular one-liner ‘definitely not’ when he was asked after CSK’s last match in IPL 20220 whether he would consider retiring from the IPL. Dhoni returned to lead Chennai in IPL 2021 and led them to their 4th title.

Dhoni had shed light on his IPL future in the lead up to their game against the SunRisers, which was also his first match as captain in IPL 2022. The influential skipper said he would definitely turn up in yellow for CSK next year.

“You will certainly see me within the yellow jersey [next year], whether or not this yellow jersey or another yellow jersey, that is a distinct factor.”

CSK have been the 2nd staff to be eradicated from the playoffs race because the 4-time champions joined 5-time champions MI, who’re rooted to the underside of the factors desk with simply 3 wins in 12 matches.

CSK have had an odd season this yr. Dhoni determined to step down as captain earlier than the beginning of the season and handed the baton to Ravindra Jadeja. However, the star all-rounder give up the job solely after 8 matches into the season.

Jadeja was dominated out of the rest of the season on Wednesday after it emerged that the all-rounder had suffered a bruised rib.