'Knees Are Getting Worn Out': MS Dhoni's Former CSK Teammate Predicts When The Legend Will Retire from IPL

Mahendra Singh Dhoni will lead Chennai Super Kings, the defending champions in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Dhoni recently returned to his second home, the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai, to begin preparations for the upcoming season. Despite doubts regarding his availability for the tourney, the 42-year-old underwent surgery in Mumbai last year and has made his recovery.

With the season set to kickstart from March 22 when CSK host Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chennai, the speculations over whether Dhoni’s retirement after IPL 2024 will start gathering steam.

Robin Uthappa, who played under MSD in CSK and is currently an expert on JioCinema, opened up on what will prompt the legend to retire.

“CSK would let him play even if he was on a wheelchair! Get off from the wheelchair, bat, and then go back. But I don’t think the batting is the issue for him, I don’t think batting will ever be an issue for him. I think it’s the wicketkeeping. The knees are getting worn out and he loves keeping. So, because he won’t be able to stand there and add value, he’ll probably move on from the game than for any other reason,” Uthappa said.

Former England captain Eoin Morgan revealed when he thinks Dhoni might retire.

“He’s the type of guy that writes his own script. It’s a feeling thing, most likely for him. If his knees are as bad as Robbie eludes, time is probably ticking because he wouldn’t want to outstay the position that he has put the franchise in simply because he’ll always want the franchise to succeed. He’s so generous with his time, with his respect, he’ll want somebody to come in and take over the mantle,” Morgan said.

Dhoni’s long-time teammate Suresh Raina talked about the two-time world cup winning skipper’s connection with CSK.

“The best thing about MS is that he comes to Chennai one month or three weeks before the IPL. He bats for around two to three hours under humid conditions and does gym training. During this time, there’s a lot of team bonding and I think it’s something magical,” Raina said.