‘Have 8-9 months to decide’: MS Dhoni ends speculation over retirement talks after leading CSK to 2023 IPL final
CSK, led by MS Dhoni, made it to the record 10th IPL final on Tuesday.© BCCI
MS Dhoni has finally answered all the speculations whether he plans to retire immediately after IPL 2023 or not. After guiding his beloved Chennai Super Kings to a record 10th IPL final with victory over defending champions Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 in Chennai on Tuesday, Dhoni was given a straight question by famed commentator Harsha Bhogle. “Do you want to come back and play here in Chepauk?” Dhoni was asked, referring to CSK’s last game at home this season, with the final set to be played in Ahmedabad on Sunday. To which, Dhoni did not give a straight answer but made it clear that he will not decide his career right after the IPL ends.
“I don’t know. I have eight or nine months to decide. The small auction will take place around December, so why take this headache now? I have plenty of time to decide. I will always be there for CSK , whether it’s in game form or sitting somewhere outside,” MS Dhoni said during the post-match presentation ceremony.
“Honestly, it’s expensive. I’ve been out of shape for literally four months now. January 31 was when I finished my work and started training March 2-3. It takes a lot but I have plenty of time to decide.”
Chennai Super Kings tamed the tenacious Gujarat giants by 15 runs on a sticky surface to enter their 10th IPL final on Tuesday and extend their remarkable consistency in the tournament. CSK did well to reach 172 for 7 on a slow pitch in Qualifying 1 after Hardik Pandya opted to play. Given the conditions, it turned out to be far more than a competitive total, as the Gujarat Titans had a rare day off to end with 157 in 20 overs. Rashid Khan made CSK fans nervous with a 30-16 late, but it wasn’t enough for the Titans.
However, the defending champions will have another chance to contest a second consecutive final in qualifying 2 on Friday.
CSK master tactician MS Dhoni made the most of home advantage to take the four-time champions to a 10th final in 14 editions. The CSK did not participate in the 2016 and 2017 editions.
With PTI inputs
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