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End Of The Road For MS Dhoni In IPL? BCCI's 'IPL 18' Memento Honour Sparks Speculation

Akshita Patel

BCCI honours MS Dhoni [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]BCCI honours MS Dhoni [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni was felicitated by the BCCI secretary Mr. Devajit Saikia ahead of CSK’s IPL 2025 clash against RR. He was honoured with a special ‘IPL 18’ memento, marking his 18 years of participation in the IPL.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) turned 18 this year as the 18th season kicked off on March 22. To celebrate the big milestone year, BCCI is handing out special mementoes for veteran players who have been playing since the inaugural season.

On March 22, Virat Kohli received the honour and on March 30, it was time to hand out another memento to a former legend.

BCCI Honours MS Dhoni’s IPL Legacy

MS Dhoni, who has been playing in IPL since 2008, was awarded the ‘IPL 18 Memento’ by BCCI’s newly appointed secretary Mr Devajit Saikia. Ahead of the CSK vs RR clash at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, Saikia honoured Dhoni with the silverware.

However, the honour led to speculations about Dhoni’s future in the IPL. Dhoni, who will turn 44 this year, was retained as an uncapped player by CSK. But his physical fitness is not upto the mark.

Moreover, Dhoni demoted himself to no.9 in a recent clash against RCB which led to fans doubting his ability to contribute to winning cause. So far, the former legend hasn’t spilled out any update related to his future in the IPL and with CSK at large.

Why Did MS Dhoni Not Bat At No. 8 Against RCB?

During Match 8 of IPL 2025, CSK were in serious trouble while chasing a target of 197 runs from RCB at Chepauk. 

Having lost six wickets for less than 100 runs, fans were all set to witness the legendary moment of MS Dhoni walking onto the field at his traditional No. 8 position. But instead, Ravichandran Ashwin walked out to bat in place of Dhoni, leaving fans in shock. 

The key reason behind this move is Dhoni’s ongoing fitness concerns. At 43 years old and managing knee issues, batting for seven overs, which involves extensive running, could have aggravated his condition.