IPL 2023: It would be a gift from me to fans to play another season – MS Dhoni after leading CSK to fifth title

Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni has finally answered the burning question regarding his IPL retirement after the franchise clinched their fifth crown by beating Gujarat Titans in the final by five wickets (DLS method) at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Tuesday.

Dhoni has vowed to come back next season in order to give his gratitude to the fans. The veteran admitted he received tons of love and support from the fans wherever he played in the ongoing IPL 2023.

The wicket-keeper bat, who was dismissed for a golden duck in the run-chase of 171 runs in the final, added that the easy thing for him will be to announce his retirement after winning his fifth IPL title but he wants to play one more season.

MS Dhoni said in the post-match presentation, “Circumstantially if you see, this is the best time to announce my retirement. But the amount of love and affection I have been shown wherever I have been this year, the easy thing would be for me to say “Thank you very much”, but the tough thing for me is to work hard for another 9 months and come back and play at least 1 more season of IPL.”

The veteran added that he will have to work hard on his fitness for the next nine months and a lot will depend on his body.

He added, “A lot depends on the body, I have 6-7 months to decide. It will be more like a gift from my side, it’s not easy for me but that’s a gift. The way they’ve shown their love and affection, I think that’s something I need to do for them.”

Dhoni was once again able to lead with aplomb and got the best out of his players. The veteran also added the finishing touches for the team when his team needed him in the death overs. Dhoni added that it will be good to come back and play whatever he can in the next season.

Dhoni said, “I realized I want to enjoy this. It was the same thing in Chennai, it was my last game over there but it will be good to come back and play whatever I can.”

Meanwhile, CSK clinched the thrilling contest by five wickets after Ravindra Jadeja smashed 6, 4 on the last two balls against Mohit Sharma when 10 runs were required for the win.