Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni got the fairytale ending to the IPL 2023 season as Ravindra Jadeja scored the winning runs, helping CSK win their record-equalling 5th IPL title and the question on everyone’s lips was ‘Is this the end? Will Dhoni announce his retirement?’
Speaking during the post-match presentation ceremony, Dhoni also hinted that after winning his fifth IPL crown, it would have been the fitting way to announce his retirement, but the 41-year-old said the magical words every single fan has been craving to listen to this entire season.
Dhoni hinted that he will return next season, although he stated that a lot will depend on how his body will be, come the next IPL season – he’s already nursing a knee injury – but, the CSK skipper said that it would be his gift to return the love of the fans who have flocked to every single venue all across the nation to shower love on MS Dhoni.
“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. It would be a gift from me, won’t be easy on the body,” said ‘Thala’ Dhoni finally ending the mystery about his IPL future.
Having gotten dismissed on duck with Chennai Super Kings still some runs away from the big win, it felt like the anti-climax however, Ravindra Jadeja kept his nerves and ensured that it would prove to be a fairytale ending, smashing a six and a boundary on the last two balls, helping CSK reach the required 171-run target on the last ball.
It has been an emotional season for Dhoni as well, the CSK skipper hinted that he was moved after watching the crowds at every venue this IPL 2023 season, starting with the first game at the Chepauk in Chennai.
“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,” the legendary wicketkeeper batter stated.
