Wicketkeeper batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni confirmed on Sunday that he will return to play for the Chennai Super Kings in the next edition of the Indian Premier League.
Dhoni, 39, had called time on an illustrious international career in August, having not played for India since their semi-final exit at the 50-overs World Cup last year.
Chennai captain Dhoni struggled to find form with the bat during the ongoing IPL in the UAE with his side failing to make the playoffs for the first time in the tournament's history.
Speculation grew over the future of Dhoni, who led India to World Cup titles in both T20 and one-day formats, with the Super Kings' ageing squad falling well short of the mark this year.
Dhoni was asked at the toss on Sunday's final league game against Kings XI Punjab whether it was last in Chennai's yellow jersey. He promptly replied: "Definitely not".
Dhoni is synonymous with the Super Kings, but the team's poor returns this season will raise questions about the leadership and the management's overall decision-making.
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IPL 2020 qualification scenarios
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Mumbai Indians: Matches 13, Wins 9, Points 18, Remaining game v Hyderabad (November 3) Serial champions Mumbai are through to the playoffs. They will play the first qualifier as Mumbai are guaranteed a top-two finish. Sportzpics for BCCI -
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Matches 13, Wins 7, Points 14, Remaining game v Delhi (November 2) Last week, qualification was almost certain. Now, they have to defeat Delhi to secure their passage. Lose, and there is every chance of getting knocked out as they have a net run rate of -0.145. Sportzpics for BCCI -
Delhi Capitals: Matches 13, Wins 7, Points 14, Remaining game v Bangalore (November 2) In exactly the same position as Bangalore. Qualification seemed assured before four successive defeats. Now, they have to beat Bangalore, who are also in the hunt, as they too have a poor net run rate of -0.159, which makes them susceptible to other surprise results. Sportzpics for BCCI -
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Matches 13, Wins 6, Points 12, Remaining game v Mumbai (November 3) The good news - they have a good net run rate of 0.555. The bad news - their remaining match is against table toppers Mumbai. They eased past Bangalore to keep their hopes alive. Have a decent chance if Mumbai decide to take it easy as they have nothing to gain now. If Hyderabad get on 14 points, they will be through on run rate. Sportzpics for BCCI -
Kings XI Punjab: Matches 13, Wins 6, Points 12, Remaining game v Chennai (November 1) After being down and almost out, the return of Chris Gayle to the lineup has energised the team. Have a simple equation facing them - beat Chennai by any margin and be almost guaranteed of qualification as Rajasthan and Kolkata have disastrous net run rates. Sportzpics for BCCI -
Rajasthan Royals: Matches 13, Wins 6, Points 12, Remaining game v Kolkata (November 1) Not a good position to be in. They can only get up to 14 points and even then, their net run rate of -0.377 means they need to have an abnormally big win - by over 50 runs- to dream of qualifying. What can help them is if Hyderabad and Punjab lose their games. Sportzpics for BCCI -
Kolkata Knight Riders: Matches 13, Wins 6, Points 12, Remaining game v Rajasthan (November 1) It's as good as over for Kolkata. Even if they beat Rajasthan, their net run rate of -0.467 demands their margin of victory to be closer to the 90-run margin. Need to hope Punjab and Hyderabad lose their last matches. Sportzpics for BCCI -
Chennai Super Kings: Matches 13, Wins 5, Points 10, Remaining game v Punjab (November 1) They are officially out of the tournament. The first time in IPL history that Chennai aren't in the playoffs. Sportzpics for BCCI
