MS Dhoni has undergone knee surgery after leading the Chennai Super Kings to a record-equalling fifth Indian Premier League title.

Dhoni, 41, who is renowned for his tactical acumen and calm demeanour on the pitch, played this season with his heavily strapped left knee but hinted that he would return for ‘one more season’ as a ‘gift’ to his fans.

A source at the Kokilaben hospital in Mumbai informed the Press Trust of India that Dhoni’s surgery was “successful” and that he is expected to be released “within two days.”

“He would be resting for a few days before his extensive rehabilitation starts,” it said.

“It is now expected that he would have enough time to get fit to play in the next IPL,” the report added.

Chennai defeated the 2022 champion Gujarat Titans by five wickets in a last-ball thriller in Ahmedabad that began on Monday and concluded after 1:30am on Tuesday local time.

“This is the best time to announce my retirement,” Dhoni said after the final.

“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 working hard for nine months and try to play another IPL.

“The body has to hold up. But the amount of love I have received from CSK fans, it would be a gift for them to play one more season,” the maverick wicketkeeper-batsman added.

Before his retirement in 2020, Dhoni led India to two World Cup victories.