Uncertainty lingers as MS Dhoni reflects on whether Sourav Ganguly appreciated his 'impromptu' farewell gesture: 'Will he bid farewell on last day?'

However, it was Dhoni who took the helm once again and graciously returned the captaincy back to Ganguly during his farewell Test against Australia in 2008. Leading up to the match in Nagpur, Ganguly had already declared it would mark the end of his illustrious career, prompting the legendary wicketkeeper to pay homage to the player under whose leadership he had made his international debut.

In a promotional event, recently, Dhoni recalled the moment and revealed the reason behind his decision to handover captaincy to Ganguly for the final session of the game.

"Being one of the greatest captains that India has ever produced, what better farewell can you give from your side?" Dhoni remarked. "Last day (of his career), he is standing on a Test match field, playing the game. If he can say 'goodbye' leading for a while, then why not? It doesn't really change the result of the game. That was the reason behind it," Dhoni added.

However, Dhoni said he isn't sure whether Ganguly enjoyed it, as it was not planned and he did it all of a sudden, as the match's result was not at stake.

"I don't know whether he enjoyed it or not because it came all of a sudden. It wasn't planned, like 'this is what you should do.' I thought this was the best way for him to say farewell, leading on the field. Even if it is for 15-20 minutes, why not?" he added.

Dhoni has hinted at a potential return for IPL 2025, saying he wants to enjoy "whatever last few years of cricket" he can play, amid speculation regarding his availability for the upcoming season.

"I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I'm able to play," Dhoni said at a promotional event held in Goa a couple of days ago.