'I have 8-9 months to decide...,' says MS Dhoni on IPL retirement

Speaking at the post match presentation as he led CSK to the tenth final, Dhoni, replying to (Fans in Chennai.... will they see you again over here?), said "I don't know,".

"I have 8-9 months to decide. I have ample time to decide. The auction is in December. I will always come to CSK. I have been out of home from January, been practicing since March, so we will see", he said, cheering the fans, that he was yet to take a call on calling it quits as player for CSK amid reports that this will be his last season.

"Whether I will be in the team or on the bench, will decide...there is ample time," he added, keeping the fans guessing for this oft-repeated raised
question.

On entering the final for the 10th time, Dhoni said with the crowd cheering for him. "I think the IPL is too big to say it is just another final".

"It is no longer eight teams. Ten teams makes it all the more tougher. Hard work for two months. Lots of characters shown by our players.

"Everyone has contributed. Yes, the middle order hasn't got ample opportunity but they have chipped in.", Dhoni said.

On his desire that he too wanted to bowl first too today after GT skipper Hardik Pandya took the same decision, the CSK skipper said, "It was simple. GT are good chasers so we wanted to get them in. But it was a good toss to lose."

"The way it turned for 30 minutes.... and when Jaddu gets conditions like that, he is hard to hit. Not to forget the partnership between him and Moeen too", he added.

CSK, eyeing for a fifth title, stormed into the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 defeating defending champions Gujarat Titans in a tense finish to the first qualifier of the playoffs at the M.A.Chidambaram Stadium here on Tuesday.

CSK entered the final for the 10th time by virtue of their 15-run win over GT, who were bowled out for 157 in 20 overs chasing 172.