Dhoni refuses to reveal retirement plans, explains decision-making process: 'I will have bike rides

Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni remained mum on his future in the
Indian Premier League
after his team concluded the 18th season with a commanding
83-run victory over Gujarat Titans
in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The 43-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, who returned to captaincy midway during the ongoing season following an injury to Ruturaj Gaikwad, added that he has plenty of time to take a call on his future, and he’ll focus on enjoying a “few bike rides” in his hometown Ranchi before arriving at a final decision.

Dhoni insists he has the ’luxury of time’

“I have four-five 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.

“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,” Dhoni said at the venue where he
led CSK to their fifth IPL title
, incidentally against the very same opposition.

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Dhoni has been struggling with fitness ever since he underwent a knee surgery in 2023, which has hindered his ability to run between the wickets ever since and has limited his presence at the crease to a handful of deliveries.

While the ace finisher had been making optimal use of his limited time at the centre with a series of cameos in the last two seasons, his poor returns with the bat this season – 196 in 14 matches at a strike rate of 135.17 with no half-centuries – has only heightened concerns over his ability to make meaningful contributions for the Super Kings more than half a decade since his last international appearance.

‘Captain Cool’ also heaped praise on his team for producing a “perfect performance” against the current leaders, even if it has come at the very end of the season, with the ‘Yellow Army’ finishing at the bottom of the table despite the happy result.

“Good to finish on a winning note. This was among the perfect performances. This was one game where the catching was also good,” Dhoni said after the game.

“When we started the season, the first four games out of six were in Chennai. We won tosses and chased. Second innings, we were under a bit of pressure. So I was more worried about the batting department. Now everybody has contributed. When Rutu (Gaikwad) comes back next year… he doesn’t have to worry about too many things,” he added.

Chennai Super Kings at the bottom of the table for the first time in 18 IPL seasons on Sunday, signing off with 8 points after winning 4 and losing 10 with a Net Run Rate of -0.647.

This despite starting their season with a four-wicket victory over arch-rivals Mumbai Indians, who were also languising at the bottom of the table at one point before producing a stunning turnaround with six consecutive victories.