Hopefully my last T20 will be in Chennai, says Dhoni

Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni said on Saturday that he wishes to play his final T20, presumably for the ‘Yellow Army’ in the Indian Premier League, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium – a venue that remains close to his heart – here

The iconic Dhoni was speaking at a felicitation function here, which was hosted by India Cements to celebrate CSK’s IPL 2021 triumph in the UAE. A total of seven players and five backroom staff were honoured at the event that was titled ‘The Champions Call’.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, BCCI secretary Jay Shah, IPL chairman Brijesh Patel, 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev, India Cements vice-chairman and managing director N Srinivasan, and India Cements whole-time director and TNCA president Rupa Gurunath graced the occasion at the Kalaivanar Arangam.

“I have always planned my cricket. My last one-day game at home was in Ranchi. Hopefully, my last T20 will be in Chennai. Whether it is next year or in five years’ time, I don’t know (laughs),” Dhoni, who walked away from international cricket last year but has remained tight-lipped about his final hurrah in the IPL, said.

It is to be remembered that the IPL would have a mega auction for the upcoming season, with two new franchises joining the bandwagon. The 40-year-old Dhoni also spoke about how four-time champion Super Kings bounced back in style from a forgetful IPL 2020.

CSK had failed to qualify for the play-offs for the first time in its history last year and was the first team to be eliminated from the competition. “From 2008, we had a very good run when it came to franchise cricket. But, it became interesting in 2020. That was the first season where we didn’t qualify for the next stage of (the) IPL. It gave us a chance to test the real character of the franchise.

“It gave us an opportunity to earn the respect of the players and the fans. The result(s) definitely didn’t go in our favour in 2020. I feel we earned the respect of the men because they said: ‘This is what we do. We walk the talk’. That was one of the main reasons we came back strongly and were able to win the title this year,” explained Dhoni.

CM Stalin was effusive in his praise for the decorated former India captain Dhoni. “Chennai has always been super and it has been proved once again. Dear Dhoni, you may (hail) from the state of Jharkhand, but the people of Tamil Nadu love you as one among us. We want you to lead CSK for many more seasons (to come),” Stalin put in a humble request.

Rupa, on her part, said: “India Cements is celebrating its 75th year in nation building. The CSK win is a crowning glory for India Cements in the milestone year. As our MD N Srinivasan said, the spectacular victory of CSK in IPL 2021 is the most fitting tribute to India Cements in its Platinum Jubilee Year.” IPL 2022 in India: BCCI secretary Shah: Board secretary Jay Shah revealed that the 2022 edition of the IPL would be held in India. 

“I know that you are eagerly waiting to see CSK play at Chepauk. The moment is not very far. The 15th season of (the) IPL will take place in India,” said Shah.