Amid celebrations as his team won the fifth IPL title defeating Gujarat Titans, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni provided an update on his retirement, stating another stint won't be easy on his body.
The 41-year-old player, while not ruling out playing in the IPL next year, said this was "circumstantially, the best time to announce my retirement."
"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 to work hard for nine months and try to play another IPL," Dhoni said after the final.
Under Dhoni's leadership, CSK equalled Mumbai Indians' record of five IPL titles. He was cheered on by lakhs of his fans, chanting his name as the team toured multiple venues across the country.
"It would be a gift from me, won't be easy on the body. 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, I don't try to portray something I'm not. Just keep it simple," Dhoni said.
Dhoni also expressed his happiness at the win, stating every trophy was special. "Every trophy is special, but what is special about IPL is every crunch game you need to be ready. There were lapses today, the bowling department didn't work, but it was the batting department that took the pressure off them today.
"I do get frustrated, it is human but I try to step into their shoes, every individual deal with pressure differently. Ajinkya (Rahane) and a few others are experienced, so you don't worry. If anyone is confused, then can always ask," he added.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin was all praise for Dhoni after CSK's rocking win, calling him a man with a plan.
The chief minister also praised all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja who hit the winning runs for CSK. "Congrats to the yellow brigade of #CSK on their 5th IPL Trophy under the man with a plan for every situation @msdhoni! This is cricket at its very best and Jadeja who held his nerve in the face of adversity has sealed a historic victory for CSK. #IPLFinals2023," Stalin added.