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‘Advantage other teams’ – The best reactions after MS Dhoni’s ‘definitely not’

CSK Dhoni
by Wisden Staff 2-minute read

“Definitely not” – it took MS Dhoni just two words to send the internet into a frenzy on Sunday, ahead of the IPL 2020 clash between his Chennai Super Kings (CSK) side and Kings XI Punjab (KXIP).

Dhoni was responding to Danny Morrison after winning the toss, when the former New Zealand bowler asked him straight-up whether this would be his final appearance in the famed yellow of CSK. Dhoni’s response, suffice to say, prompted an equal measure of relief and scepticism.

The CSK captain, who is among India’s most legendary skippers, announced his retirement from the international game in August, and having not played mainstream cricket since the World Cup last year before heading into the IPL, the drop in his usual standards was evident this season – he’s scored 200 runs in 12 outings, at just 25.

His form led to plenty of speculation as CSK succumbed to their worst IPL finish ever – it’s the first time in IPL history they’ve failed to qualify for the playoffs – about his place in the franchise’s way forward. At the moment, going by Dhoni’s two words, it seems he is here for at least another season.

His statement was met with some frankly unique takes, however. Here’s the pick of the lot:

MS Dhoni, Definitely Not: The relief

For all the talk around his future, the pervading reaction after Dhoni’s statement was one of relief and excitement. Mostly, it was the CSK fans being relieved, but even the neutrals seemed happy at the prospect enjoying one of the great cricket careers for just a bit longer.

The frustration

Not everyone was happy. The #DhoniOut brigade were left fearing another lacklusture campaign from CSK in IPL 2021, with some even going on to say other teams will be celebrating the decision.

The excitement

The social media admins had a field day as soon as #DefinitelyNot began trending.

In fact, incredibly, they found ways to make it not about Dhoni …

The quirky

Most of all, there were a lot of jokes. Like this one, a play on the Mutual Funds ads that Dhoni advertises.

Caricatures were quickly drawn out.

But most of all, there were just happy vibes.

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