Watch: MS Dhoni couldn’t conjure his trademark late-innings magic, falling for a two-ball one on his final appearance at the Chepauk Stadium in this season’s IPL.

IPL 2023 is widely regarded as Dhoni’s last season, although there has been no confirmation from either Dhoni or Chennai Super Kings. Long retired from international cricket, and carrying a knee issue, he’s kept people guessing too.

The Qualifier 1 match against Gujarat Titans, a direct pathway to the final, is being played in Chennai, along with the Eliminator between Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants. It gave Dhoni’s fans the perfect opportunity to see their hero in the flesh once more.

With the bat, though, it didn’t quite go to plan. He walked out at No.7, one spot higher than his usual position this season, but couldn’t quite get going. The first ball was steered through the gap to third man. Off his next delivery, though, he tried the same but ended up giving a catch to Hardik Pandya, off Mohit Sharma.

Having entered the field to vociferous applause, Dhoni walked back amid silence.

Watch: Chepauk silenced as MS Dhoni walks off for 1(2)

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