RCB vs CSK: "Is this MS Dhoni's last run?" Robin Uthappa gives a no-nonsense verdict

Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa dismissed rumors about former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni retiring after the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Robin Uthappa stated that MS Dhoni will continue playing for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.

MS Dhoni underwent knee surgery after the IPL 2023 season. The 42-year-old has dealt with a muscle tear this season. The wicketkeeper-batter handed over the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad before the IPL 2024, sparking rumors about his final IPL season.

With retirement rumors growing, the Chennai Super Kings have already completed their final home game. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led team will face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their last league match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, May 18.

CSK are in fourth place with 14 points from 13 matches, having secured seven wins. RCB are in sixth place with 12 points from 13 matches, with six wins and seven defeats. The upcoming match will be crucial for both teams as they compete for a playoff spot.

I Don't Think So - Robin Uthappa

Speaking on JioCinema, Robin Uthappa said that Dhoni will not announce his retirement. Uthappa said that he wants Ruturaj Gaikwad to lead the team to the knockout matches in his first season as captain, which will be a huge confidence booster for him and for CSK.

"Coming to CSK, is this MS's last run? I don't think so, personally, I don't think so. But, do they want to spoil RCB's party? Definitely. Ruturaj, I think, would want to get to the knockoout stage in his first season as captain. That will be a huge confidence booster for him and for CSK. It's one for the long run. Let's see where that goes," Uthappa said.

This season, MS Dhoni has scored 136 runs with an average of 68.00 and a remarkable strike rate of 226.67. He has a good record at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. He has amassed 376 runs at an average of 125.33 and a strike rate of 184.31, including four fifties.

Your Guess Is As Good As Mine - Michael Hussey

On ESPN's Around the Wicket show, Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey expressed hope that MS Dhoni would continue playing for another two years, while acknowledging uncertainty about the cricketing legend's future.

"Your guess is as good as mine at this stage. He keeps his cards very, very close to his chest. We are hoping he does keep going. From a personal point of view, I hope he keeps going for another couple of years. But we will just have to wait and see. He is the only one who will make that call. And he likes to sort of build the drama a little bit as well. So I wouldn't expect a decision anytime soon," Hussey said.

Dhoni is the sixth-highest scorer in the IPL, with 5,218 runs in 262 matches at an average of 39.23 and a strike rate of 137.35. Dhoni captained 226 IPL matches, winning 133 times and losing 91. He guided the Yellow Army to five IPL titles.

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