'We're not ready for this' - Fans react as MS Dhoni hints at IPL retirement after CSK vs KKR clash

MS Dhoni (Source: Twitter)

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) registered a resounding 49-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Sunday, April 23. The four-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions are having an incredible season, having won five of their first seven games and climbing to the top of the points table. While this great campaign will surely be a joy for CSK fans, they will be upset inside as this could be their captain MS Dhoni's last season as a player.

There's no confirmation that Dhoni will retire after the 2023 IPL, but there are rumours, and the legend himself has been dropping hints at retirement after each of their games. Fans flock from different parts of the country to watch their favourite 'Thala' play, perhaps for the last time, irrespective of the venue.

Despite the fact that CSK was playing an away game at the iconic Eden Gardens, the home ground of KKR, the stadium was packed with Yellow Army on Sunday. No doubt half of them are KKR fans but they are also MSD fans. Having played a lot of domestic cricket there, the former India captain has a special connection with Eden Gardens. Even though Dhoni batted only for the final two deliveries yesterday, he received the loudest applause when he stepped out to bat.

"They are trying to give me a farewell" - MS Dhoni

Meanwhile, the 41-year-old believes that the bulk of those supporters came to bid him farewell, and he expects that the usual purple colour will return to Eden Gardens in KKR's next game. His statements once again signalled his retirement from the sport, and fans said they are not ready for that moment.

Speaking after CSK's emphatic win, Dhoni said: ”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."

Earlier, after CSK's 7-wicket victory over SRH at Chepauk Stadium, Dhoni said in the post-match presentation, "Whatever said and done, it's the last phase of my career, however long I play. It's very important to enjoy it."

Here's how fans reacted to MS Dhoni's statement: 

I'm not crying 😭 pic.twitter.com/oTZVcKP3WA

— S. (@Mai_hu_yar) April 23, 2023

WE ARE NOT READY FOR THIS !

— Daksh Balhotra (@DakshBalhotra) April 23, 2023

Csk won, but at what cost pic.twitter.com/sWZISkSgEz

— AyushGPT (@ash_dwz) April 23, 2023

Wtf?? Man you need to play atleast 1 more year😭

— Praneeth (@fantasy_d11) April 23, 2023

No plss dont say this MS plsss 🥺

— Utsav 💔 (@utsav045) April 23, 2023

It's Fixed now, He gonna retire with IPL trophy 🏆, Nice Script by jay shah!

— ᴘʀᴀᴛʜᴍᴇsʜ⁴⁵ (@45Fan_Prathmesh) April 23, 2023

Though I m big fan of virat but sure will miss ms after this season 😭🥹

— Virat Kohli Fan Club 🏏 (@vkfanclub007) April 23, 2023

Why is he continuously giving hints🥺😭😭

Pl MS pl noo

— Utsav Bhati (@bhati_utsav) April 23, 2023

MS Dhoni retirement?? No plzz don't

— Sultan Khan (@MainHoonSultan7) April 23, 2023

MSD Last IPL Confirmed..

— Vishwajit Patil (@_VishwajitPatil) April 23, 2023

Farewell? Aise na bolo yaar 😮

— Naveen (@_naveenish) April 23, 2023