IPL 2023: ‘I have 8-9 months’ – MS Dhoni Breaks His Silence on Playing in the Next Season
MS Dhoni has revealed that he will take 8 to 9 months to evaluate his future and decide whether he will participate in the next season or not.
Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday, May 23, beat Gujarat Titans by 15 runs in the first qualifier of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, securing a place in the finals of the tournament.
Throughout this season, Chennai Super Kings fans have been haunted by a single question: Is MS Dhoni set to retire, or will he grace the field in the yellow jersey for another season? However, the wicket-keeper batter has finally answered it recently in the post-match conference.
The 41-year-old has outlined a timeframe of 8 to 9 months to reflect on whether he will play next season or not, stressing that he does not want to burden himself with this decision currently. His primary focus lies in steering Chennai Super Kings towards clinching the title this season.
“I don’t know (back next year?) – I have 8-9 months to decide. Why take that headache now. I’ll always be there for CSK, where it’s playing or something outside.”
Dhoni also reflected on the match, stating that the competition this year was intense, especially with the addition of two new teams. Notably, Chennai Super Kings finished the league stage in the second position on the points table, securing 17 points from eight wins out of 14 matches.
“IPL is too big to say it’s just another final. Used to be 8 top teams, now it’s 10. I won’t say it’s just another final. It’s hard work of 2 months. Everybody has contributed. Yes, middle-order has not got ample opportunity.”
Chennai Super Kings will now face the winner of qualifier two, which is scheduled to be played between Gujarat Titans and the winner of the eliminator game involving Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
