MS Dhoni: It's easy to retire after winning IPL final but not yet'

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MS Dhoni confirmed after winning the IPL 2023 final with Chennai Super Kings that he is not changing his mind and wants to come back to play another season. The Chennai Super Kings captain, however, said there are nine months to go before IPL 2024, which allows him six-seven months time to decide.

MS Dhoni confirmed he is not retiring after Harsha Bhogle probed him during the post-match presentation award if it's the right time for him to retire as he won IPL title for the record-equalling fifth time with CSK. Dhoni said the circumstance are right for him to retire but not yet.

"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 9 months and try to play another IPL," said MS Dhoni.

The skipper further said: "It would be a gift from me, won't be easy on the body. You do get emotional, the first game at CSK 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."

"Every trophy is special, but what is special about IPL is every crunch game you need to be ready. There were lapses today, the bowling department didn't work, but it was the batting department that took the pressure off them today.

"I do get frustrated, it is human but I try to step into their shoes, every individual deals with pressure differently. Ajinkya and a few others are experienced, so you don't worry. If anyone is confused, then can always ask.

Speaking of Ambati Rayudu playing his last IPL match, Dhoni said: "The special thing about Rayudu is he will always give his 100% when he is on his field. But with him in the team, I will never win the Fairplay 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 - not someone who uses the phone often. I hope he enjoys the next phase of his life..."