MS Dhoni to retire after IPL 2023? Suresh Raina drops major update on CSK captain's future

MS Dhoni & Suresh Raina (Source: Twitter)

There’s no confirmation that MS Dhoni will retire after the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL), but there are rumours, and the legendary captain himself has been dropping hints at retirement after each of their games this season. However, as speculation swirls around whether or not this is Dhoni's last dance as a player, his former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) teammate Suresh Raina has given a major hint about his retirement.

Raina, who is also a close friend of Dhoni, has contradicted rumours, saying that he has no plans to retire after the 16th edition of the IPL. The left-handed batter disclosed on JioCinema what the 41-year-old said to him during their recent meeting during the ongoing IPL season.

"Main trophy jeetke ek saal aur khelunga (After winning the trophy, I will play one more year)," Raina revealed.

The former CSK vice-captain was not purchased in the IPL 2022 mega-auction, and he subsequently resigned from all forms of cricket. The former all-rounder currently works as a cricket analyst.

Dhoni, who has led CSK to four IPL triumphs, appears to be on track to guide his team to a fifth this season, as the Yellow Brigade has had a great campaign thus far. The Chennai-based franchise is in second place with 13 points after 11 games.

Which hint from Dhoni should be believed?

Earlier, following CSK's convincing 49-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 23, Dhoni said at the post-match presentation that the majority of the supporters had come to bid him farewell.

”I will just say thanks for the support, they came in big numbers. Most of these guys will come in a KKR jersey next time. They are trying to give me a farewell, so thanks a lot to the crowd," the right-handed batter said.

Meanwhile, ahead of the game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 3, former New Zealand cricketer and IPL commentator Danny Morrison asked the CSK captain, "This wonderful swansong tour, your last, how are you enjoying it?” Dhoni, who took the internet by storm in 2020 with his "definitely not" reply to Morrison's similar question, gave a stunning response this time as well.

"Well, you have decided it’s my last", the wicket-keeper batter replied, a little smirk on his face. “You hear that, he is going to come back again next year,” Morrison said on-air, gesturing towards the crowd in the stands at the Ekana International Stadium, Lucknow.