Fans Rejoice as Dhoni Hints at Playing One More IPL Season as a Special Gift

Ahmedabad: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) secured their fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) title with a thrilling victory over the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

After the match, CSK captain MS Dhoni provided a significant update on his potential retirement. Although he acknowledged that this would be the opportune moment to announce his retirement, Dhoni expressed his desire to train for the next nine months and aim to play in the upcoming season as a “gift” to his fans.

“Looking for an answer? Circumstantially if you see this is the best time for me to announce retirement. But the amount of love and affection that I have been shown, wherever I have been this year…I think the easy thing for me to say would be to say ‘Thank you very much’, but the tough thing for me would be to work hard for another nine months and come back and play at least one more season of IPL. But a lot depends on the body. It would take 6-7 months to decide. It will be more like a gift from my side. It’s not easy for me but the way they have shown their love and affection, that’s something that I need to do,” Dhoni said at the post-match presentation.

The interaction you were waiting for 😉

MS Dhoni has got everyone delighted with his response 😃 #TATAIPL | #Final | #CSKvGT | @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/vEX5I88PGK

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 29, 2023

Overwhelmed by emotions, Dhoni confessed that his eyes were filled with tears and he needed some time alone in the dugout to gather himself. He emphasized that he believes the fans love him for his grounded nature and authenticity, never trying to portray someone he is not. Reflecting on the victory, Dhoni described every IPL trophy as unique, highlighting the need for readiness in every crucial game.

Under Dhoni’s leadership, Chennai Super Kings further solidified their outstanding IPL record by clinching their fifth title, prevailing over the Gujarat Titans by five wickets in a thrilling final.

B Sai Sudharsan’s impressive knock of 96 off 47 deliveries helped the Gujarat Titans set a target of 214 for four. Due to rain, the match was interrupted, and the revised target for CSK in 15 overs was 171.

In a nail-biting finish, CSK achieved the target on the last ball, with Ravindra Jadeja hitting a six and a four off Mohit Sharma. While the CSK players celebrated on the field, Dhoni remained in the dugout with his eyes closed, possibly marking his final appearance in the T20 league.

With this victory, CSK equalled their arch-rivals Mumbai Indians in terms of the most IPL trophy wins. The focus now shifts to whether Dhoni will indeed make a comeback and lead CSK in the following year. The entire IPL season, including the final, was marked by Dhoni-mania, and fans eagerly await his decision.