Follow Us“If cricketers start retiring for performance, some of them will retire at 22.”
This is what MS Dhoni said when the question of his retirement was brought up after Chennai Super Kings ended their worst campaign in IPL history with a dominating win over the top-ranked side in the season.
While on one hand, the statement is very indicative of Dhoni’s opinion on the relationship between the state of his own performance and the timing of his retirement, it also tells the world that Dhoni isn’t 100% ready to let go of his IPL career yet. However, Dhoni also said that he isn’t certain of a return either, and will make a decision on his future in the next 4-5 months.
“I have 4-5 months to decide, there's no hurry. Need to keep the body fit. You have to be at your best. If cricketers start retiring for their performance, some of them will retire at 22,” Dhoni said in the post-match presentation after CSK defeated Gujarat Titans by a huge margin of 83 runs in Ahmedabad.
“[I] Will go back to Ranchi, enjoy a few bike rides. I am not saying I am done, not saying I am coming back either. I have the luxury of timing. Will think about it and then decide,” the 43-year-old CSK skipper added.
Dhoni also reflected on CSK’s season and felt that, towards the end, they managed to fill a few holes in the batting department with Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis doing impressively well. As a result, Ruturaj Gaikwad, the regular CSK skipper, will have fewer things to worry about next season.
“When we started the season, the four games were in Chennai, we won the toss, decided to bat second, but I felt the wicket was good for batting in the first innings. I was worried about the batting department. We can put runs on the board, but a few holes to fill. Ruturaj doesn't need to worry about too many things next season,” Dhoni added.
CSK ended the season with the wooden spoon as they managed to win only four games in 14 this season.