MS Dhoni suggested during the post-match presentation following the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 final on Tuesday that he would return next season as a “gift” to the fans, even as he highlighted the struggle to keep wicket as he approaches his 42nd birthday. After lifting a fifth IPL title with Chennai Super Kings, Dhoni admitted that it was possibly the best time to retire, though the love from the fans had made him think twice.
As soon as Harsha Bhogle popped the question about retirement to start the proceedings, Dhoni was quick to respond: “Looking for an answer? Circumstantially, this is the best time to announce my retirement. But the amount of love I have received all over. The easy thing would be to walk away from here, but the harder thing would be working hard for nine months and try to play another IPL. It would be a gift from me, won’t be easy on the body.”
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
The IPL 2023 has all been about stadiums being transformed into seas of yellow as supporters flocked to catch a glimpse of the Dhoni. Their home venue at Chepauk wasn’t quite the fortress of old, but away stadiums also saw Dhoni and his team get most of the support. Chennai, and the Yellow Army of fans enjoyed a stellar season, winning eight of their 14 league matches and then the Qualifier 1 and final.
“You do get emotional,” said Dhoni. “The first game [against Gujarat in Ahmedabad], everyone was chanting my name. My eyes were full of water, I needed to take some time off in the dugout. I realised I need to enjoy this. I think they love me for what I am, they love that I am so grounded, I don’t try to portray something I’m not. Just keep it simple.
Every trophy is special, but what is special about IPL is every crunch game you need to be ready.”
Even as he celebrated another title, Dhoni the captain was critical of uncharacteristic mistakes from his players. “There were lapses today, the bowling department didn’t work, but it was the batting department that took the pressure off them today,” he said. “I do get frustrated. It is human but I try to step into their shoes. Every individual deals with pressure differently. Ajinkya [Rahane] and a few others are experienced, so you don’t worry. If anyone is confused, they can always ask [me].”