Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni made an emotional statement following the team’s impressive five wicket (DLS method) triumph against Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2023 final.
MS Dhoni stated that while now may appear to be the best time to declare his retirement, he wishes to follow a more difficult path. He will accomplish this by preparing for another season in the league. He expressed his gratitude for all of the affection he received throughout this season.
The five time IPL champion captain stated that his participation in the 2024 season will be a gift from him to all of the fans who have backed him through thick and thin.
“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 for the fans from my side, won’t be easy on the body.”
MS Dhoni also acknowledged to getting emotional throughout the season at times. He recounted how his eyes teared up following the overwhelming response he received when he returned to play in front of the Chennai audience. People admire him for being grounded, according to him.
“You do get emotional, the first game at CSK [home ground], 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.”
After the Mumbai Indians, the Chennai Super Kings became the only team to win five IPL titles. Their championship match vs reigning champions GT was a nail biting drama.
Ravindra Jadeja struck Mohit Sharma for a six and a four with 10 runs needed off the final two balls to lead his team to a historic victory.
MS Dhoni on Ambati Rayudu
Ambati Rayudu said ahead of the IPL 2023 final that it will be his final match in the league. MS Dhoni praised Rayudu, describing him as a player who always gives his all on the pitch.
MS Dhoni also joked that he would never win the fair play award with Rayudu on the squad. Dhoni also added that he was optimistic that Rayudu will do well in the crucial final.
“The special thing about Rayudu is he will always give his 100 percent when he is on his field. But with him in the team, I will never win the fair play award. I’ve been playing with him for a long time, since the India A tours.”
“He’s a player who can play spin and pace equally well. It is something really special. I felt he would do something really special today. He’s also like me, who doesn’t use a phone a lot. I hope he enjoys the next phase of his life.”