'Best time to announce my retirement but...': MS Dhoni keeps fans guessing even after IPL 2023
Ahmedabad/IBNS: India's cricket icon and Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni kept his countless fans guessing about his future on the field even after the 16th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) concluded on Tuesday.
Dhoni said he might come back for another season of IPL if his body permits after Chennai lifted the trophy for the fifth time on Tuesday.
When presenter Harsha Bhogle asked him about his future in cricket, Dhoni said, "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."
"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," he added.
Dhoni's Chennai defeat Gujarat Titans in IPL 2023 final
Ravindra Jadeja hammered a six and a four with 10 needed off the last two balls to provide an exhilarating finish to power Chennai Super Kings to their fifth IPL title as they defeated defending champions Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets (DLS Method) in a humdinger at the Narendra Modi Stadium here early Tuesday morning.
Jadeja smashed 15* off 6 balls as cameos from Devon Conway (47 off 25), Ruturaj Gaikwad (26 off 16), Shivam Dube (32* off 21), Ajinkya Rahane (27 off 13) and Ambati Rayudu (19 off 8) helped Chennai chase down 171 from 15 overs in a rain-reduced IPL final.
Earlier, an uncapped Sai Sudharsan showcased his raw talent in IPL final with a superb 96 off 47 balls, ably supported by Wriddhiman Saha (54 off 39) and Shubman Gill 39 (20) to help Gujarat post a mammoth 214/4 before rain forced the match to be shortened to 15 overs.