"Definitely not" - Irfan Pathan's huge statement on whether IPL 2024 will be MS Dhoni's final season

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan gave his take on whether the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 will be the last season of MS Dhoni in the league. He believes that keeper-batter is looking extremely fit even at 40 and should play for a few more seasons in the tournament.

The spotlight will be on MS Dhoni during the IPL 2024 as he will be captaining Chennai Super Kings in the league. One of the prime questions surrounding him is whether it will be the last season for him in the tournament or not, especially with him being 40 years in age.

At the end of the IPL 2023, MS Dhoni was asked about his future in the league. He brought joy to the fans of many when he said that he would be pushing himself for one more season as a return gift for fans, who have given him a lot of love and respect.

It won’t be a surprise if the upcoming edition of the League will be the last for MS Dhoni in the tournament. The keeper-batter has been one of the finest players in the history of the league and is also the joint most successful captain in the league with 5 titles under his belt along with Rohit Sharma.

MS Dhoni has played a huge role in making CSK the brand it is today. The keeper-batter has led from the front and made the team a big tycoon in franchise cricket. If he leaves after the upcoming season then it will leave a massive void in the team, both as skipper as well as the keeper.

Irfan Pathan was asked about MS Dhoni playing his last edition in the league. He replied that he met keeper-batter about a month ago and is looking supremely fit. He hoped that the CSK skipper would continue to play for the sake of the franchise and fans. Speaking to Star Sports, he explained:

“Definitely not (Will this be his last season?). I met him about a month ago. He had long hair, he is growing his hair. He is going back to the old times and looking supremely fit. For a guy, who is past 40 and still looking so fit. I really hope for his sake, for his franchise’s sake and all the fans’ sake, he continues to play.”

CSK is MS Dhoni, Dhoni is CSK – Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan further added that even if MS Dhoni plays on one leg, people will like him and love to see him. The former Indian all-rounder added that even if IPL 2024 will be keeper-batter’s last season, his association will continue with the team. He added:

“I said it… obviously, it was over-the-top, even if MS Dhoni plays on one leg, people will still like to see him play. If this is his last season, I really want him to go out on a high. I feel he will never go out of IPL, he will never go out of CSK. CSK is Dhoni, Dhoni is CSK. It’s the same thing.”

MS Dhoni was recently seen practicing in the nets for the IPL 2024. He would be hoping to set the stage on fire in the upcoming edition. If it happens to his last season, he would want to finish on high and win the 6th title as skipper.