Is it safe to say that we’ve reached the endgame? MS Dhoni‘s decision to hand over the captaincy of the Chennai Super Kings to Ravindra Jadeja has sparked conjecture that this may be the experienced wicket-keeper batsman’s final season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2022.

Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket in August 2020. In terms of professional cricket, he has only played for CSK in the IPL since then. Dhoni was slated to captain CSK in the IPL 2022, but he stepped down only two days before the season began.

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Many believe Dhoni made the choice because he intends to retire from cricket at the end of the IPL 2022 season. When CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan was questioned about it, he stated that this is not the case.

“No, I don’t think (this is going to be his last season). He will carry on,” according to Indian Express, CEO Viswanathan stated.

When asked about Dhoni’s choice to offer Jadeja the franchise leadership, Viswanathan stated that the ‘Thala’ must have considered everything before making such a major decision.

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“We have always respected the decision of MS. He has been a pillar of strength for us. He will continue to be a pillar of strength and he will guide Jaddu (Jadeja) and the other members of the team. He is expecting a smooth transition from him to Jaddu and that’s why he has taken the decision. As a captain and player, who has always cared for CSK, he must have taken the decision in the best interest of CSK,” Viswanathan added.

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CSK initially acquired Dhoni in the 2008 IPL auction. Unlike most other franchises, Chennai chose to sign the youngster who had recently won India the T20 World Cup rather than a local marquee star.