IPL 2024: [WATCH]- MS Dhoni Quietly Leaves Amidst RCB’s Emotional Revelry Post Win

The showdown between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday evening was dubbed ‘the last dance,’ symbolizing what could potentially be the final time MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli grace the field together.

Given the virtual knockout scenario, a victory for one side would spell heartbreak for the other.  Typically, picking a side is straightforward, but even the most ardent cricket fans found themselves torn.

If CSK won, Kohli would suffer another year of disappointment, but if RCB won, it would mark Dhoni’s farewell. RCB’s victory by 27 runs brought joy to Kohli but a disappointment to Dhoni, securing RCB’s 9th IPL Playoffs appearance.

Needing 10 runs off 2 balls, Ravindra Jadeja couldn’t make contact with the ball, leaving Dhoni visibly disheartened in the dugout, seemingly aware that this might be the end.

However, it was Dhoni’s post-match behaviour that raised significant doubts about his future. IPL 2024 was widely speculated to be Dhoni’s farewell season. Last year, he hinted that he would come back for another season to thank the fans for their support. But this time, things didn’t turn out as well as expected.

In a momentary glance, after RCB sealed the victory, Dhoni rose from the dugout intending to congratulate the opposing team. However, as RCB’s emotional celebrations ensued and took longer than expected, Dhoni turned back and exited.

Although he did exchange pleasantries with some of the reserve players and support staff in the dugout, Dhoni quietly departed without exchanging greetings with the likes of Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, Mohammed Siraj, and others.

It became evident when Kohli and his team shook hands with everyone from the CSK camp except Dhoni, who was notably absent and nowhere to be seen. Is this the end? Is this the final glimpse of the legendary cricketer?

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— Nihari Korma (@NihariVsKorma) May 19, 2024

Has MS Dhoni participated in his last IPL game?

If true, Dhoni’s potential final IPL and cricket career conclusion couldn’t have been more underwhelming. Renowned for his ability to seal matches, Dhoni remained in the fray for CSK until the final over.

Requiring 17 runs from the last over, Dhoni hammered a massive six off Yash Dayal that travelled over 110 meters, but couldn’t replicate the feat on the next ball and was dismissed for 25 off 13 deliveries, comprising three fours and a six.

His display of disappointment, evident in his bat-punching reaction (a rare sight), suggests that it might have indeed marked his farewell. Yet, if there’s one thing the world has learned about Dhoni, it’s that predictions about his future are always uncertain.

Even if it does mark the conclusion, don’t anticipate an announcement anytime soon. If he has indeed retired, he won’t divert attention from the four teams that have battled fiercely, giving their all to reach the Playoffs.

Former cricketers, like Suresh Raina, think Dhoni will return next year. CSK reflects him, and he reflects CSK. Although Ruturaj Gaikwad carries responsibility now, Chennai might still need Dhoni’s guidance unless Gaikwad grows into a strong captain.

Who can understand what’s going on in Dhoni’s mind? It’s quite interesting that rain-interrupted both Dhoni’s last Test match in Sydney against Australia and his last ODI in Manchester against New Zealand. So, if you understand, you get it.

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