Provided the recovery from the left-knee surgery that he underwent at the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season goes as planned, MS Dhoni will be back for one last title tilt with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2024. Sources in the corporate world confirmed as much to RevSportz earlier this week, though neither Dhoni nor the franchise plan to release any statements to that effect until it gets closer to the start of the season.
After CSK’s thrilling last-ball triumph against Gujarat Titans in the IPL final on May 28, Dhoni had travelled to the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute in Mumbai. There, he underwent surgery on the left knee that had affected his mobility and flexibility right through the season.
At the presentation ceremony following the final, Dhoni had hinted that he wasn’t quite at the end of the road. He had spoken of owing the fans another season in return for their love, but admitted that much would depend on whether his body – he will be nearly 43 by the time IPL 2024 begins – could handle the strain of another two-month-long campaign.
In the aftermath of CSK’s record-equalling fifth title win, Kasi Viswanathan, the franchise CEO, had sounded confident when asked about Dhoni’s return. And if the grapevine in the business world is to be believed, that confidence isn’t misplaced.
Dhoni recently signed a lucrative endorsement deal. As part of those negotiations, the brand in question had asked him about the 2024 IPL season. Dhoni told them that he fully intended to return, and have a shot at title No.6. For millions of Whistle-Podu fans and the many more neutrals who are enthralled by every move he makes, that is definitely something to look forward to.
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