IPL 2021: Will this be MS Dhoni's Last IPL? CSK Chief Executive Responds

The 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) kicks off on Friday and three-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will play their first match, against Delhi Capitals, on Saturday. Now, Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan has said MS Dhoni might continue playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) beyond 2021 as he all but confirmed this year will not be his last with the Yellow Army. Dhoni had announced his retirement from international cricket in August last year and was expected to hang his boots from IPL at the end of the last season in UAE.

CSK CEO Responds:

However, a firm 'definitely not' was his response when asked if IPL 2020 was the last for him in a CSK jersey. As he gears up to lead CSK once again this year, the CSK CEO has confirmed Dhoni is likely to continue playing for the franchise after 2021 and that they are not looking at anyone as his successor as captain.

"See, I don't think it is going to be his final year. This is my personal view and I don't think we are looking at anybody now," CSK CEO Viswanathan was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

Dhoni has been leading Chennai Super Kings since the inception of IPL in 2008. He was away from the franchise only in the 2016 and 2017 seasons when CSK were banned from the league for two years. He led CSK to a memorable title triumph in 2018 when the team made a thumping comeback in the tournament.

One of the most consistent teams in the history of the IPL, CSK endured their worst campaign last season as they failed to make it to the playoffs for the first time in their history. CSK have made it to the playoffs in ten out of eleven seasons, have played eight finals, and won the title thrice.

CSK finished seventh last season in what was a disappointing campaign for the three-time champions. Dhoni & Co. will be looking to bounce back this season and make it to the playoffs once again. While Dhoni's form will be crucial for the team's chances, the return of Suresh Raina and the addition of all-rounders Moeen Ali and K Gowtham will add firepower to their batting line-up.

CSK will open their IPL 2021 campaign against last year's finalists Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday (April 10).

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