Dhoni leaves fans in suspense about retirement plans

I’m not saying I’m done, I’m not saying I’m coming back. As I said, I have the luxury of time. When you have the luxury then why not think about it and then decide,” the Chennai Super Kings captain said

HYDERABAD: Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni said he would decide (about his retirement plans) in four to five months and that there would be no hurry to decide what needed to be done.

The IPL legend, who led CSK to a thumping win against Gujarat Titans on Sunday, said he would enjoy a few bike rides after the current season ended for his team which failed to qualify for the play-offs finishing at the bottom of the league for the first time in 16 seasons with four wins from 14 games.

---

“What is important to see is how much hunger you have, what kind of fitness you have, and how much you can contribute to the team, and whether the team needs you or not. So I have enough time. I will go back to Ranchi – haven’t been home for a long time – enjoy a few bike rides, [take a] couple of months and then decide,” the 44-year-old Dhoni said.

“I’m not saying I’m done, I’m not saying I’m coming back. As I said, I have the luxury of time. When you have the luxury then why not think about it and then decide,” he said in the post-match briefing with host broadcaster.

“We didn’t have a very good season, but we finished on a good note,” Dhoni said. “I think this was one of the perfect performances – from the bowling department, batting department, not to forget the fielding and catching. Throughout the season, I don’t think we have caught very well, so this was one game where the catching was also good,” he said.

“When we started the season, we played the first four games at home out of six,” Dhoni said. “We won tosses, we decided to bat second because there was a fair amount of dew, but I felt the wicket was better to bat first somehow. In the second innings when we batted, we were under a bit of pressure, and that confidence got sucked away from the batters and that became slightly difficult for us to come back,” he explained.

“I was more worried about the batting department; at the end of the day, you have to score runs. But now, looking at how everybody is contributing, we look like a side who can put runs on the board, and the manoeuvering with the bowlers becomes slightly easy,” Dhoni said.

“Yes, there are still a few holes that we would like to fill. But one of the most important things was when Rutu (Gaikwad) comes back next season, at least we are able to give him a team where he just needs to fit in, maybe one in the playing XI and he doesn’t have to worry about too many things,” he said.