'...this is going to be MS Dhoni's last season': Rohit Sharma opens up on MSD's retirement

Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma spoke to reporters on Wednesday during MI’s pre-match press conference ahe of Indian Premier League 2023 season. MI skipper shared his take on latest media reports claiming that upcoming season will be last to feature MS Dhoni as a player. Several media reports in past few weeks have stated that Dhoni will play his last season for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) this year. 

However, Rohit turned down reports and went on to claim that MS Dhoni is fit eugh to play a few more seasons of marquee T20 league.

MS Dhoni is fit eugh to play a few more seasons: Rohit Sharma

five-time IPL-winning captain also mentioned that talks about Dhoni’s retirement from IPL have been making rounds since last few years. "I've been hearing for last 2-3 years that this is going to be MS Dhoni's last season. I think he is fit eugh to play a few more seasons," Rohit said in MI's pre-season press conference.

legendary Dhoni is second-most successful skipper in history of IPL after current India captain. While Rohit has led Mumbai Indians to IPL title triumphs in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020, CSK became champions under Dhoni’s leership in 2010, 2011, 2018, and 2021. Having said that, IPL 2023 season can certainly be last time fans watch 41-year-old Dhoni in a player’s capacity.

Dhoni gave up CSK captaincy last season

Dhoni decided to give up CSK’s captaincy ahe of IPL 2022 last season, as franchise appointed Ravindra Jeja as his successor. However, move backfired on team as y lost several games in a trot before Jeja relinquished position mid-way through season. This led to Dhoni resuming captaincy role and bringing a change in fortune to team.

Although CSK finished ninth in IPL 2022 points table with four wins and 10 defeats in 14 games, y ended season with positive of winning games under Dhoni. Chennai-based franchise n strengned its lineup by ding Ben Stokes, among or top players at IPL 2023 Auction. Meanwhile, CSK will face defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) in opening match of IPL 2023 on March 31.