IPL 2023 | I have 8-9 months to decide: Dhoni on retirement after CSK reaches 10th final

With speculation rife that 2023 could be a swansong IPL season for M.S. Dhoni, the CSK captain said he will decide before the next auction

Chennai Super Kings skipper MS. Dhoni on Tuesday said he will take a call on his retirement in another 8 to 9 months as there is no rush to decide on the future. There have been speculations that 2023 could be a swansong season for Dhoni.

"I don't know, I have 8-9 months to decide. Why take that headache now. I have ample time to decide. The auction is in December," Dhoni said at the post-match presentation after guiding CSK to their 10th IPL final.

"I will always come to CSK. I have been out of home from January, been practicing since March, so we will see."

The four-time champions, who had finished at the ninth spot in 2022, dished out a commanding performance to outclass Gujarat Titans by 15 runs in Qualifier 1 to make it to the summit clash yet again.

"I think IPL is too big to say it is another final. It is 10 teams it is even tougher, it is hard work of more than 2 months, lots of characters, everybody has contributed, middle order didn't get ample opportunity but very happy to be where we are.

"GT are a fantastic team and they've chased very well, so the thought was to get them in. But it was a good toss to lose. If Jaddu gets conditions that help him. he's very difficult to hit. His bowling changed the game. Not to forget his partnership with Moeen."

One of the best captains to have played the game, Dhoni said he can be an "annoying" skipper as he too often keeps changing his bowlers and fielders according to the match situation.