Dhoni: I have ample time to decide my future

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Chennai Super Kings captain M.S. Dhoni says it will take time to decide his future after guiding the Super Kings to their 10th final in the Indian Premier League.

Dhoni may have played his final match at Chennai’s M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, as the four-time champions defeated the defending champions Gujarat Titans by 15 runs in the first play-off.

Dhoni, whose injured knee has limited his ability to run between the wickets, has fueled speculation by expressing gratitude to the large home and away crowds this season.

“I don’t know, I have eight, nine months to decide,” Dhoni said when asked by presenter Harsha Bhogle whether the play-off match was his last at home.

“The small auction will be around December, so why to take the headache right now. I have ample time to decide,” he said.

“I will always be there for CSK whether in playing form or sitting somewhere. I don’t really know. But frankly it takes a heavy toll. I have been out of home from January, been practising since March, so we will see.”

The 41-year-old is India’s most decorated cricketer, having led the country to two World Cup victories, including the inaugural T20 tournament in 2007.

During his prime, Dhoni excelled in the role of innings finisher. He has brought his batting form and leadership skills to the IPL. He has millions of fans who affectionately call him “Thala” (Tamil for “leader”), which means “leader”

This season, the wicketkeeper-batsman has reinvented himself as a lower-order batsman who bats at number eight and hits several sixes.

Tuesday marked a brief departure. The nearly packed stadium greeted him with a rousing ovation as he entered, but he was caught after two balls.

Then, ‘Captain Cool’ Dhoni rallied his team to defend 172 while dismissing Gujarat for 157.

Sunday’s final will take place at the world’s largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad, against the winner of the third play-off.