CHENNAI, Apr 6: Former India captain and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, on Sunday said he is taking his IPL journey one year at a time and will decide on playing the next season based on how his body feels after the current edition.
Replying to a question on his retirement from the Indian Premier League in a podcast, Dhoni said, “I am still playing in the IPL and have kept it very simple – I take it one year at a time. I am 43 now, and by the time this season finishes in July, I will be 44. So, I have around 10 months to decide if I want to play one more year or not.”
“But it’s not really about what I want – it’s the body that makes the decision for you. Whether I can continue or not depends on how I feel physically. For now, I am fully focused on what needs to be done this season,” he added.
The retirement talk gains traction amid Dhoni’s modest performances in the ongoing IPL season. Although the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman has been dismissed only once in four matches, he has yet to make a significant impact with the bat or finish an innings convincingly.
In the clash against Delhi Capitals, Dhoni managed a run-a-ball 30 off 26 deliveries, as Chennai Super Kings slumped to a 50-run defeat. With just one win from their first four games, CSK find themselves under pressure, and several adjustments will be necessary if they are to mount a serious challenge for a top-four finish this season.
Reflecting on his cricketing journey, Dhoni said he was a product of hard work and the support of countless individuals.
“Right from my school days – my parents, my games teacher, and those I played my early matches with – everyone played a role. Even tennis-ball cricket taught me things, though it has its quirks,” he said.
The 2011 World Cup-winning captain said setbacks are part of sport, but what matters is the ability to bounce back.
“There is no big or small opportunity in life. All of them matter. I am grateful to many people – some may not even know I am thankful to them. But above all, it was cricket itself that gave me the will to win,” Dhoni added. (UNI)
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