IPL 2021 Final: MS Dhoni says ‘still haven’t left behind’ anything, hints at returning for CSK next year

“Definitely Not” broke the internet after Chennai Super Kings’ final match in IPL 2020 as the celebrated cricketer confirmed he was not going anywhere despite a disappointing campaign for the Men in Yellow. And on October 15, 2021, MS Dhoni hinted he would return to play the Indian Premier League in 2022.

Television broadcaster and commentator Harsha Bhogle pushed MS Dhoni to answer the big question after CSK won their 4th title, beating Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2021 final by 27 runs in Dubai. While Dhoni kept stressing that a lot depends on CSK’s auction strategy, he made a defining statement when Bhogle said Dhoni can be “incredibly proud of the legacy he has left behind”.

“Well, I still have left behind (anything),” MS Dhoni said.

IPL 2021 Final: CSK vs KKR – Highlights | Report

Dhoni helped Chennai Super Kings complete a remarkable comeback in IPL 2021 as they won their 4th title in their 9th final after missing out on the play-offs berth for the first time in their history last year in the UAE. Despite not contributing with the bat as much as he did during his heyday, Dhoni marshaled his troops with so much confidence as CSK roared to form and won the title in the UAE.

Dhoni, 40, became the oldest captain to win an IPL trophy as the former India captain heads into his one-off role as Team India mentor for the T20 World Cup, starting October 17, on a high.

Dhoni had hinted earlier this month that he would love to have his farewell match in Chennai in front of the CSK fans after not having had one for India. Dhoni retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020, nearly a year after he played his last match for the senior national team.

Dhoni eyes strong ‘core group’ for CSK

Stressing on the need to ensure the team doesn’t suffer because of retention tactics, Dhoni said the focus will be on building a strong core for CSK that serves the team for the next 10 years. Dhoni highlighted that the core that CSK managed to build in 2008 has served them wonderfully for more than 10 years.

“Again I’ve said it before, it depends on BCCI. With two new teams coming in……we have to decide what is good for CSK. It’s not about me being there in top-three or four. It’s about making a strong core to ensure the franchise doesn’t suffer. The core group, we have to have a hard look to see who can contribute for the next 10 years,” Dhoni said.

KKR deserved to win IPL 2021: Dhoni

Dhoni also paid rich praise to Kolkata Knight RIders, who finished their remarkable comeback in IPL 2021 with a runners-up place. KKR were reeling at the 7th spot at th end of the India leg with just 2 wins from 7 matches. However, playing a fearless brand of cricket, Kolkata stormed into the final, winning the Eliminator against Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Qualifier 2 against table-toppers Delhi Capitals.

“Before I start talking about CSK, it’s important I talk about KKR. For the position they were in after the first phase, it is very difficult to come back and do what they have done. If any team deserved to win the IPL this year, I feel it was KKR. I think the break helped them,” he added.