Robin Uthappa confirms MS Dhoni's return after heartbreaking IPL 2024 exit

Former India cricketer-turned-commentator Robin Uthappa declared on Saturday, May 18, that MS Dhoni will return for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the next edition of the IPL after the defending champions crashed out of the ongoing IPL 2024.

Uthappa stressed that Dhoni, known for his resilience and determination, is not someone who takes setbacks lightly, saying the legendary wicketkeeper-batter will come back roaring.

Notably, Dhoni ended the IPL 2024 campaign on a heartbreaking note, as he fell short of leading the CSK to a playoff berth in their final league game against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Bengaluru.

MS Dhoni failed to take CSK to the IPL 2024 playoffs

CSK needed 17 runs in the last over to qualify for the IPL 2024 playoffs, and Dhoni ignited hope by smashing the first delivery from Yash Dayal for a massive 110-meter six. However, the thrill was short-lived, as Dhoni was dismissed on the very next ball by Dayal, attempting to repeat the shot.

After Dhoni's wicket, CSK all-rounders Shardul Thakur and Ravindra Jadeja were unable to take the defending champions to the IPL 2024 playoffs, leaving the Yellow Army stranded 11 runs short as Dayal displayed exemplary nerve to secure the 27-run win for RCB at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

As the RCB fans celebrated their team's hard-fought win over CSK and qualification to the IPL 2024 playoffs, Uthappa expressed confidence in Dhoni's comeback in the IPL 2025. However, neither Chennai nor Dhoni has yet made any official statements regarding his IPL future.

I don't think we have seen the last of MS Dhoni: Robin Uthappa

Robin Uthappa told JioCinema: “I don't think we have seen the last of MS. He is not someone who takes these things lightly. He will come back roaring for sure.” However, Uthappa said that Dhoni was managing a niggle throughout this season but hoped that he would be fully fit for the next season.

Uthappa signed off by saying, “Even with the narrative, I have seen him bat only in the last 4 or 5 overs, there is a reason for it. He had a calf injury which they initially thought perhaps was a niggle, but it was a little more grave than that. Because of that, he had to manage himself, and often as he does, in international cricket and for CSK, he figured out a way to be useful and contribute to CSK.”

On the other hand, former Australia all-rounder and Dhoni's former CSK teammate Shane Watson also urged the legendary Indian cricketer to continue playing at least for 1 or 2 more years in the IPL.

Notably, Dhoni finished the ongoing IPL 2024 with 161 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 220.55 for the CSK as a finisher. On the other hand, CSK finished their campaign in fifth place in the standings with 7 wins from 14 games under the captaincy of Ruturaj Gaikwad in the tournament.