On Sunday, the four-time champion Chennai Super Kings played their last group at their home stadium, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. It was also the last game for MS Dhoni this season in front of the home crowd. Though both Qualifier 1 and Eliminator are held at Chepauk Stadium, it looked like CSK would end up qualifying for the next round.
But nothing can be said earlier. If CSK somehow fails to make it to the top four, then it might be the last time CSK fans see him at home. Although the skipper hasn’t made it official whether he will play next season or not.
But on a few occasions, he himself indicated that it might be his last. On Sunday, he also took a lap at Chepauk Stadium, thanking all the fans who have supported him over the years. However, the CEO of the Chennai Super Kings, Kasi Vishwanathan, has something else to say.
He believes that MSD will be seen back in action after this season as well. In a video posted on the official Twitter handle of the CSK, he said, “We believe MS Dhoni is going to play next season as well so I hope fans will continue to support us like every time (translation from Tamil).”
Notably, this season, Dhoni has been suffering from some injuries as well, which have forced him to limit his role in the team. But despite all that, he has played some brilliant cameos at No. 8, with some sixes on the few balls he is facing.
Meanwhile, CSK suffered their first loss against KKR at the Chepauk Stadium since 2012. Chennai made 144/6 in the first inning, and KKR chased down the target in 18.3 overs with six wickets in hand. Kolkata made 147/4 and registered an important. Despite the loss, CSK is second on the list with 15 points, but they need to win their last group game on May 20 against the Delhi Capitals at Arun Jaitley Stadium.