Dhoni's retirement: CSK captain not retiring, to play for fans in IPL 2024

After leading Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a record-equalling fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) title on Tuesday (May 30), MS Dhoni answered the big question on his retirement.

Dhoni, who will turn 42 in July, admitted that it would have been the best time to bow out after winning the IPL 2023 title. However, he added that seeing the love and affection shown to him by his fans, he will return to play in IPL 2024.

Also read: IPL 2023 award winners, prize money details, stats, records

“Circumstantially if you look, this is the best time to announce my retirement,” he said in the post-match presentation ceremony.

He continued, “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 would be to say ‘thank you very much’, but the tough thing for me is to work hard for another nine months and at least play one more season of IPL.

“But, a lot depends on the body. I have six, seven months to decide. I feel it will be more like a gift from my side. It is not easy for me but the way they have shown their love and affection for me, that is something I need to do for them.”

Also read: CSK’s road to IPL 2023 title; Jadeja stars in final

On Tuesday, CSK defeated Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2023 final to win their fifth title. Ravindra Jadeja’s 6 and 4 in the final two balls sealed victory in the rain-hit contest.

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