Dhoni has said that he has ample time to take a decision on his IPL career.
While Dhoni has teased the idea of his retirement on occasions in the ongoing IPL, the 41-year-old has also hinted towards it at times.
After CSK qualified for the IPL 2023 final by beating Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday (May 23), Dhoni said he has ample time to take a decision on his IPL career.
"Frankly, it takes a heavy toll. I have been out of home for literally four months. I will always come to CSK. I have been out of home from January, been practicing since March, so we will see," Dhoni said at the post-match presentation.
"January 31 was when I got out of the house, finished my work, and started practicing from 2nd or 3rd of March. It takes a lot, but I have ample time to decide. I have 8-9 months to decide. Why take that headache now. I have ample time to decide. The auction is in December," the 41-year-old added.
Amid the speculations, CSK’s bowling coach Dwayne Bravo has seemingly confirmed that Dhoni would return as a player in the next edition.
In the post-match interview with broadcasters Star Sports, Bravo was asked whether Dhoni will be seen in the yellow jersey again.
To which, he replied: “100 percent. Especially, with the Impact Player rule. It will keep prolonging his career.”
“He bats really deep. I think the likes of Ajinkya Rahane, (Shivam) Dube... these guys make a huge difference. You don't require much from MS. But he has the ability to keep his calm when the team is under pressure,” Bravo further said.