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Matthew Hayden reckons IPL 2023 could be MS Dhoni's 'last dance' in the competition

image-le9j4ohnMS Dhoni will be leading CSK in IPL 2023 (Source: Twitter)

Former Australian cricketer, Matthew Hayden has opined that the upcoming IPL season will be the swansong of MS Dhoni's career in the competition. Despite calling time on his international cricket career in 2020, Dhoni has continued playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and he is set to make a comeback to their home ground in IPL 2023 after a hiatus of nearly three years.

The opening match of the season is scheduled for March 31, with CSK facing defending champions Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. While speaking on Star Sports after the announcement of the IPL 2023 schedule, Hayden went on to praise Dhoni's potential reception at Chepauk and noted that the city is likely to unite around the CSK captain.

The former Australian opener further stated that the performance of the Indian talisman will be crucial for the franchise this season. Hayden remarked that Dhoni's comeback to Chepauk in IPL 2023 would be a remarkable occasion.

Hayden believes IPL 2023 will be MS Dhoni's 'Endgame'

The 51-year old recalled that at the end of the previous IPL season, everyone was unsure whether Dhoni would return, but the captain's announcement that he would be back had galvanized the Yellow Army.

The former CSK batter expressed his belief that this season would be the final one for Dhoni in the IPL, and therefore, the first few matches of the season would be crucial for the team's success.

Sanjay Manjrekar also supported Hayden's claims, asserting that Dhoni's leadership skills can make a difference to the team's success. In his view, T20 cricket can be quite challenging, and teams need players who can provide exceptional leadership. According to the former cricketer turned commentator, Dhoni may not play regularly but his influence with his leadership experience is significant. He added that the CSK skipper’s batting skills may not be as vital as before, but his leadership qualities can undoubtedly make a difference.