MS Dhoni opens up on his IPL future

Former Indian captain MS Dhoni once again left fans speculating about his future in the Indian Premier League (IPL), choosing not to confirm whether this season was his last in Chennai Super Kings (CSK) colours.

Speaking after CSK’s dominant win over Gujarat Titans, the 43-year-old captain played it cool, neither announcing retirement nor committing to a return, instead highlighting that he has “the luxury of time” to decide.

“I have four-five months to decide, there’s no hurry,” Dhoni said at the post-match presentation, adding that factors like fitness, motivation, and team needs would all weigh into his eventual call.

In classic Dhoni fashion, he offered a calm perspective on the retirement chatter.

“If cricketers start retiring for their performance, some of them will retire at 22,” he quipped, throwing light on how deeper factors influence such a big decision.

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MS Dhoni admitted that the physical demands of the IPL aren’t getting any easier.

“Every year, it’s 15 percent more effort to keep the body fit — not to forget this is top-level cricket. You have to be at your best,” he said.

But he was also quick to point out that performance isn’t the only metric when weighing one’s future.

“What is important to see is how much hunger you have, what kind of fitness you have, how much you can contribute to the team, and whether the team needs you or not,” he further stated.

For now, MS Dhoni plans to head back home to Ranchi, enjoy time off, and, in his words, “a few bike rides” before taking a final call.

“I am not saying I am done, I am not saying I am coming back. As I said, I have the luxury of time. When you have the luxury, then why not think about it and then decide,” he signed off.

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