"We definitely wanted to hear this from you Thala" - Twitter reacts to MS Dhoni's comments on IPL retirement

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni gave cricket fans an update on his retirement plans following his team's title triumph in IPL 2023.

CSK defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets in a rain-curtailed match that went down the wire at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Monday, May 29. They won their fifth title under the astute leadership of Dhoni and have equaled Mumbai Indians' record for most titles in the cash-rich league.

Throughout IPL 2023, the sentiment among fans and pundits was that this could be Dhoni's last hurrah.

While speaking to the official broadcasters in the post-match presentation ceremony, Dhoni spoke about his plans as a player, saying:

"Circumstantially, if you see, this is the best time to announce my retirement. But the amount of love and affection I have been shown wherever I have been this year, the easy thing would be for me to say 'Thank you very much', but the tough thing for me is to work hard for another nine months and come back and play at least one more season of IPL.”

He further said:

“A lot depends on the body. I have six-seven months to decide. It will be more like a gift from my side; it's not easy for me, but that's a gift. The way they've shown their love and affection, I think that's something I need to do for them.”

CSK supporters and cricket enthusiasts alike see Dhoni's diplomatic comments about retirement as the possibility of seeing him in action next year.

Here are some of the reactions below:-

If you are trying to sell MS Dhoni post retirement benefit plans you are mistaken :)

@IPL @msdhoni माही जैसा कोई नहीं। Hope he will play next one as well.
#dhoni #IPLFinal #IPL2023

@IPL @msdhoni That is quintessential Dhoni for us. Still, the best captain and the best wicketkeeper in the world. How nice it would have been had the clock turned back!

@IPL @msdhoni I think so @NetflixIndia or @amazonIN should make a documentary in episodes on @msdhoni
The last dance or call it the last ball.
Finish it off next season
Will take over charts across the globe.

@IPL @msdhoni This is what I want to listen from him. Hope to see you @msdhoni sir for the 1st time in stadium next year. love you

@IPL Truly great players don't give a damn about leaving on a high note coz they are secure and confident about their legacy.

twitter.com/IPL/status/166…

@IPL @msdhoni We definitely wanted to hear this from you Thala 🤌😭🥺🥺🥺💛💛

@IPL @msdhoni I knew he was not going anywhere nxt season , becoz csk have all their bases covered ( just need a rayudu replacement) , nxt season would be his last and thn csk can plan the 2025 mega auction without him🥲

@IPL @msdhoni You did a great great Till now for the fans and cricket Mahi ji..
You always think about your fans..but we think about your health as well so don't late to tell about retirement and all we will happy that we gave good time with the cup you are retire means it will be good...

Dear MS Dhoni, you can't take retirement without playing farewell final match with your favourite Rival #MI
We will be awaiting you next year
Be prepared with the best team next year, because MI has given the statement of comeback
@ImRo45 @msdhoni @mipaltan @ChennaiIPL

This man has stayed true to his words. Not announcing retirement today 🥹💛🙌🏼 #ThalaDhoni #MSDhoni𓃵 https://t.co/ckmSa4ucmv

How did MS Dhoni fare in IPL 2023?

Although MS Dhoni was sent packing for a golden duck by Mohit Sharma in the IPL 2023 final, there were plenty of moments in the tournament where he showcased his classic finishing skills.

Dhoni accumulated 104 runs in 12 innings this season at a strike rate of 182.46, with the best score of 32. In all, he smashed three boundaries and 10 sixes this season.

The CSK keeper played a role in 10 dismissals, including seven catches and three stumpings. He became the first player to complete 200 IPL matches as a captain during CSK's game against Rajasthan Royals on April 12 in Chennai.