MS Dhoni-led CSK entered record-extending 10th IPL final on Tuesday.© BCCI
MS Dhoni has finally answered all speculations on whether he has any plans to retire immediately after IPL 2023 or not. After guiding his beloved Chennai Super Kings to a record 10th IPL final with a win over defending champions Gujarat Titans in the Qualifier 1 in Chennai on Tuesday, Dhoni was asked a clear question by renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle. “Will you come and play here in Chepauk again?” Dhoni was asked, referring to CSK’s last match at home this season, with the final to be played in Ahmedabad on Sunday. To which, Dhoni did not give a straight reply but made it absolutely clear that he won’t decide on his career right after the IPL ends.
“I don’t know. I have eight or nine months to decide. The small auction will be around December, so why to take that headache right now? I have ample time to decide. I will always be there for CSK, whether it is in the playing form or sitting somewhere outside,” MS Dhoni said in the post match-presentation ceremony.
“Frankly, it takes a heavy toll. I have been out of form for literally four months now. Jan 31st was the time when I finished my work and started practising from 2nd-3rd of March. It takes a lot but I have ample time to decide.”
Chennai Super Kings tamed a tenacious Gujarat Giants by 15 runs on a sticky surface to enter their 10th IPL final on Tuesday and extend their remarkable consistency in the tournament. CSK did well to reach 172 for 7 on a slow pitch in Qualifier 1 after Hardik Pandya opted to bowl. Considering the conditions, it turned out to be much more than a competitive total as Gujarat Titans had a rare off day to end with 157 all out in 20 overs. Rashid Khan made the CSK fans nervous with a 16-ball 30 towards the end but it was not enough for the Titans.
However, the defending champions will got another shot to make a second successive final in Qualifier 2 on Friday.
CSK’s master tactician M S Dhoni made the best use of home advantage to take the four time champions to a 10th final in 14 editions. CSK did not take part in 2016 and 2017 editions.
With PTI inputs
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