MS Dhoni hints at 'new role' ahead of IPL 2024 in rare Facebook post

Days before the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicks off with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) facing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the tournament opener in Chennai, CSK captain MS Dhoni has hinted at donning a “new role” in the 17th season.

“Can’t wait for the new season and the new ‘role’. Stay tuned!,” the 42-year-old wrote in a post on Facebook on Monday that has since gone viral and has had fans scratching their heads, wondering what the “role” could possibly be.

MSD is among only a handful of cricketers still playing in the IPL to have featured in the first edition of the world’s biggest T20 league in 2008. Dhoni had recently stepped down as captain ahead of the 2022 season, naming Ravindra Jadeja as his successor, but had to take it back from the all-rounder after Chennai’s fortunes began to nosedive.

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The new role Dhoni had hinted towards could be him serving in the capacity of a team mentor besides leading the team on the field as captain.

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Several iconic players such as Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir have gone on to serve as mentors of their former franchises Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders respectively, with Gambhir also serving in the role with the Lucknow Super Giants. The likes of Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid had also served simultaneously in the roles of captain and mentor, for Sahara Pune Warriors and Rajasthan Royals respectively.

It therefore, wouldn’t be too far-fetched to assume that is the route Dhoni is headed towards down the road.

Dhoni, meanwhile continues to remain tight-lipped on his future with CSK in the IPL. The 16th season was widely believed to be Dhoni’s last in the ‘Yellow Jersey’ and leading the team to the title would have been a fairytale finish to the legendary wicketkeeper’s career.

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Dhoni, however, had been retained by the franchise as their captain ahead of the player auction that took place in December, ending speculation surrounding his participation in IPL 2024 if not beyond.