CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan drops major hint on franchise icon MS Dhoni's retirement plans

CSK's title defense ended following their defeat against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at M Chinnaswamy Stadium last week.

Since the heartbreaking defeat, speculations have been building around his possible involvement. Dhoni has remained tight-lipped about the future leaving fans guessing about his future.

CSK CEO gave his take on what the future holds for the veteran wicketkeeper. He stated that he is unaware of Dhoni's decision but remains hopeful to see the star player in the next season.

"I do not know. It is a question that only MS can answer. The question for us, we have always respected the decisions taken by MS, we have left it to him," Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan said in answer to the question on the CSK YouTube channel.

"As all of you know, he has always taken his decisions and announced it at the appropriate time. We do expect that we will get a decision as and when he decides. But we are very, very hopeful that he will be available for CSK next year. That is the view and expectations of the fans and mine," he added.

As the 42-year-old walks towards the sunset of his career, he has been asked about his retirement plans numerous times over the years.

In the 14 games that CSK played throughout the season, Dhoni went without interacting with the media. If he goes on to play the next season, Dhoni will be 43 years old.

Due to knee surgery last year, CSK have managed Dhoni's workload throughout their IPL campaign.

In the ongoing season, for the first time in his illustrious T20 career, Dhoni came at the number 9 spot to bat at the scenic Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium.

Throughout the season, he came out to bat when a handful of deliveries were left. Yet he put up staggering figures in 14 matches. Dhoni amassed 161 runs at an average of 53.67 and a whopping strike rate of 220.55. (ANI)