MS Dhoni provided a detailed update on his retirement plans after Chennai Super Kings won their fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) title on Tuesday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets (DLS). While declaring his retirement will be the “easy thing,” the CSK captain claimed that he wants to practice for the next nine months and try to play in the next season as a “gift” for his followers.
“Are you seeking an answer? According to the evidence, now is the best time for me to announce my retirement. But the amount of love and affection I’ve received this year, no matter where I went…The easiest thing for me to say is ‘Thank you very much,’ but the hardest thing for me is to work hard for nine months and return to play at least one more season of IPL. However, the body plays a significant role. Making a decision would take 6-7 months. It will be more of a personal present from me. It’s difficult for me, but the way they’ve demonstrated their love and affection is something I need to do,” he said after the game.
“My eyes were watering, and I needed to get some rest in the dugout.” I knew I needed to have some fun with this. People like me for who I am; they appreciate how grounded I am and how I don’t try to be someone I am not. Maintain simplicity. Every trophy is fantastic, but what distinguishes the IPL is that every key game necessitates preparation,” he added.
Under Dhoni’s leadership, Chennai Super Kings added a fifth title to their already illustrious IPL record, defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in a dramatic summit clash.
Dhoni has been the centre of attention since the Indian Premier League debuted this year, and the captain capped off the season with a record-tying fifth trophy.
Gujarat Titans posted 214 for four after being asked to bat first, thanks to B Sai Sudharsan’s 96 in 47 balls.
Set a revised target of 171 in 15 overs after weather disrupted play at the start of the second innings of a final that was moved to the reserve day due to severe precipitation, CSK completed the assignment in the penultimate ball, in what could be Dhoni’s final T20 league game.
Ravindra Jadeja smacked a six and a four off Mohit Sharma in the final two balls to seal the victory for CSK, and even as the players in yellow ran onto the field, Dhoni stayed in the bench, his eyes closed.
Neither the juggernaut of the Gujarat Titans nor two days of bad weather could keep Dhoni’s team from tying Mumbai Indians for the most IPL title wins.
It would be intriguing to watch if Dhoni is able to return and lead CSK again next year, as the entire IPL, including the final, has been dominated by Dhoni-mania.
