The former Indian batter Suresh Raina has given his verdict on the retirement of Chennai Super Kings wicket-keeper batter Mahendra Singh Dhoni. There was a rumor that MS Dhoni might be playing the last match in the IPL, especially at Chepauk. Raina who was part of the commentary team during the IPL 2024 match between Chennai and Rajasthan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, spoke out against these speculations.
Raina was asked if MS Dhoni is playing his last match at Chepauk to which the left-handed batter replied – “Definitely Not”.
The former Tamil Nadu cricketer Abhinav Mukund directed a notable query to Suresh Raina, acknowledging Raina’s close association with MS Dhoni. This question had been making rounds on social media following an emotional post by the Super Kings concerning their former captain before a pivotal match. CSK had also suggested a lap of honor by the players after Sunday’s match against RR, fueling fan speculation regarding a potential significant announcement involving MS Dhoni.
“I have to ask you this question. Is this MS Dhoni’s last game here at Chepauk?’ Mukund asked. “Not,” said Raina.
Dhoni’s memorable use of the phrase “definitely not” at the end of the IPL 2020 season created quite a buzz. Addressing presenter Danny Morrison during the toss at CSK’s final league game that season, Dhoni made it clear that it was not his last appearance wearing the yellow jersey in the IPL.
Dhoni carried on playing for three additional seasons, leading the team to IPL triumphs in both 2021 and 2023. While acknowledging that the victorious final last year would have been an ideal moment to say goodbye to the IPL, he revealed his decision to keep playing as a way of showing gratitude to the fans who had been standing behind him throughout the career.
