'Hundred percent' - Dwayne Bravo gives major update on MS Dhoni's retirement plan post IPL

Four-time champions Chennai Super Kings defeated defending champions Gujarat Titans by 15 runs on Tuesday, May 23, in Chennai to storm into the final. As a result, CSK extended their sublime run in the tournament and became the 10-time finalists. After being put to bat first, the MS Dhoni-led side posted 172/7 on the board. In reply, GT were bundled out for 157. Hence, CSK will now face the winner of Qualifier 2 in the mega final on May 28, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Notably, Dhoni retired as one of India's most successful captains, having captained the team for decades and winning three ICC titles. The Ranchi-born cricketer is still active in the Indian Premier League (IPL), captaining the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and has won four titles so far. There have been rumours that Dhoni may be playing his last IPL, and hence the final at Ahmedabad would be a truly special occasion.

However, the Chennai Super Kings bowling coach and former teammate, Dwayne Bravo believes that the legendary skipper is very unlikely to consider retirement post the conclusion of the IPL 2023 edition. He assured the fans that the new Impact Player rule will actually help him to extend his illustrious career further as it gives a player much-needed break between the game which will only help the CSK skipper to keep fit for a long time.

But his ability to keep us calm while the team is under pressure is unmatched: Bravo

Furthermore, reflecting on the captaincy legacy of MS Dhoni, the Caribbean went on to say that his calm and composed nature helps the side a great deal. Notably, Dhoni is renowned for his cool nature and hence he is nicknamed 'Captain Cool'. Moreover, he has been a master of controlling the game while on the field which helps Chennai Super Kings immensely when they are put in a pressure situation during the games. 

“100 percent (will he return to play for CSK in 2024?), especially with the Impact Player rule. He can keep prolonging his career. We bat really deep. I think the likes of Ajinkya Rahane and Shivam Dube, these guys make a huge difference. So, you don’t require much from MS. But his ability to keep us calm while the team is under pressure is unmatched,” Bravo said on Star Sports after trumping GT in Qualifier 1.

Interestingly enough, during the post-match presentation, Harsha Bhogle questioned MS Dhoni about his retirement plans. Dhoni came up with an insightful yet cheeky statement. The CSK skipper believes that there is still a long time ahead to decide on the future of his career. Hence, he just wants to focus on spending quality time with his family back home post the IPL 2023.

"I don't know. I have 8-9 months to decide. The small auction will be around December. So why to take that headache right now? I have ample time to decide. But I will always be there for CSK whether it's in the playing form or sitting somewhere outside," MS Dhoni concluded.