After leading the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to their 10th IPL final with a victory over the defending champions Gujarat Titans in the Qualifier 1, the speculation surrounding MS Dhoni’s retirement plans has finally been addressed. Renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle posed a direct question to Dhoni, asking if he would play at Chepauk again, referring to CSK’s last home match of the season. Dhoni, however, did not provide a straightforward answer but made it clear that he would not make a decision about his career immediately after the IPL concludes.
Dhoni stated, “I don’t know. I have eight or nine months to decide. The small auction will be around December, so why take that headache right now? I have ample time to decide. I will always be there for CSK, whether it is in playing form or sitting somewhere outside.” He acknowledged that the toll of the game is significant and mentioned being out of form for the past four months. Despite this, he emphasized that he has enough time to make a considered decision.
In Qualifier 1, CSK triumphed over the Gujarat Giants by 15 runs on a challenging pitch, securing their place in the final. Opting to bowl first, the Giants restricted CSK to 172 for 7. However, on a slow pitch, this proved to be a competitive total. The Giants faltered in their chase, ending up with 157 all out in 20 overs. Although Rashid Khan’s late onslaught made CSK fans nervous, it was not enough to carry the Giants to victory.
CSK’s victory highlighted their remarkable consistency in the tournament, with their master tactician, M.S. Dhoni, utilizing home advantage to guide the four-time champions to the final. It is worth noting that CSK did not participate in the 2016 and 2017 editions of the IPL.
With the defending champions getting another opportunity to reach the final in Qualifier 2 on Friday, the IPL excitement continues to build. Dhoni’s future remains uncertain, but he has assured fans of his unwavering commitment to CSK, whether on the field or from a different role. For now, fans eagerly await Dhoni’s decision, which will come after several months of reflection.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to MS Dhoni’s retirement plans:
MSD will play IPL 2024 I believe ??
— Dr Khushboo ?? (@khushbookadri) May 23, 2023
Well knew it always..he subtly hinted that " i will always be there for csk , whether it be in the playing form or some else "
Anyways he's a human first guys , enjoy the moments as much as you can ??— khali_fokat (@tha7a_fanatic) May 23, 2023
I'll always be there for CSK ? .
CSK and MSD – an unbreakable bond pic.twitter.com/pldaxCFkev— Dhruv (@being_ingenious) May 23, 2023
Year 2050 :
CSK CEO "We hope MS Dhoni will continue and play – that is what the entire country wants to see".
Year 2100 :
CSK CEO "We hope MS Dhoni will continue and play – that is what the entire country wants to see"
— Shakti Man ? (@IamShaktiMann) May 23, 2023
In other words.. Meri Marzii pic.twitter.com/xNZ7auVMju
— Angry Foofa ? (@AngryFoofa) May 23, 2023
He’s surely not coming. MS is massively smart with his answers and if he was he would have just said it. He knows if he says anything he would put the team under pressure but really want him to have a big farewell? this year or any year
— Abhi Panchal (@iamabhi1909) May 23, 2023
Year 2050, Ms dhoni be like: I still have 10-20 years of my life why to take any decision on retirement
— Anjan ?? (@Anjanvk18) May 23, 2023
He should retire and give Ruturaj captaincy . Remember how Hardik started getting recognition when he won IPL for GT . Same goes for Gaikwad
— CrazyANS (@Torrent_AN) May 23, 2023
— Parth Date(????)?? (@ParthDate1) May 23, 2023
— areyy__chinuu (@ChinmayZite) May 23, 2023
thala in 2050
Mera lun$ le retirement abhi to mere prime years start hue hai pic.twitter.com/QUMK6OxOId
— Stuud ? (@Stuud_Souren) May 23, 2023
