I have 8-9 months to decide, the mini auction is in December: MS Dhoni on IPL future

Speaking during the post-match presentation ceremony, Dhoni said, “I don’t know, I have 8-9 months to decide. I have ample time to decide. Why take that headache now? The auction is in December. I will always come to CSK. I have been out of home since January, been practising since March, so we will see. I’ll always be there for CSK, where it’s playing or something outside.”

Although Chennai has lined up Ben Stokes as a potential successor to Dhoni, there are concerns about the England all-rounder’s availability.

While the current season was being spoken about as one where Stokes could get used to the team environment before taking up the captain’s role, a knee injury resulted in him playing just two games.

The Chennai Super Kings Captain – MS Dhoni answers 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗧 question again 😉#TATAIPL | #Qualifier1 | #GTvCSK | @msdhoni | @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/drlIpcg5Q5

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 23, 2023

This season, Dhoni has played braving a knee injury, which has severely affected his running between the wickets. And there have also been instances where his reflexes behind the stumps have slowed down a bit.

Even though Chennai have made it the final, they are concerned as to whether some of their older players can come back next season as well.

Ambati Rayudu, who announced retirement last season, was made to change his mind and this year he has struggled with the bat. And similarly, even Ravindra Jadeja, who was earmarked for a finisher’s role hasn’t been able to make an impact, which has made Chennai rely on Dhoni once again in the end overs. With Ajinkya Rahane too struggling for consistency, too many changes could also hamper them next season.

In that sense, it is not surprising that Dhoni has chosen to wait till the player auctions to take a call on his future.