After leading the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to their fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) victory with a win over the Gujarat Titans, CSK captain MS Dhoni shared an update on his potential retirement plans.
When asked about his future, Dhoni acknowledged that retiring now would be a wise decision given the circumstances. However, he expressed his decision to prepare and strive to participate in the upcoming season as a gift to his supporters for their unwavering support and love.
Speaking after the match, Dhoni stated, “Circumstantially, this is the best time for me to announce retirement, but the amount of love and affection that I have been shown… I think the easy thing for me would be to say ‘Thank you very much’, but the tough thing for me would be to work hard for nine months and come back and play at least one more season of IPL.”
Dhoni also emphasized that the condition of his body would play a crucial role in determining his decision. He mentioned that it would take around 6-7 months to make a final call. He described his potential return as a gift to the fans who have shown him immense love and affection.
Reflecting on the emotional bond with the audience, Dhoni expressed how moved he was by their support throughout the season. He shared, “My eyes were full of water, I needed to take some time off in the dugout. I realized I need to enjoy this. I think they love me for what I am, they love that I am so grounded, I don’t try to portray something I’m not. Just keep it simple.”
Despite the speculation surrounding his retirement, Dhoni’s focus remained on the remarkable accomplishment of leading CSK to their fifth IPL title, tying them with the Mumbai Indians. As the tournament concluded, Dhoni’s future as the captain of CSK for the upcoming season became a subject of intrigue, considering the immense popularity he garnered throughout the IPL.
Fans eagerly await Dhoni’s decision regarding his return to the IPL, as the season and the tournament finale were filled with the fervor of “Dhoni-mania.”