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MS Dhoni, legendary captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), in a recent post-match interview after the IPL 2023 Qualifier 1, gave an uncertain reply to queries about his potential retirement. Dhoni, under whose leadership CSK marked their 10th final entry in the IPL, was rather non-committal about his future plans when Harsha Bhogle asked the million dollar question, stating he has "8-9 months to decide." With a remarkable career at CSK, he confirmed that his allegiance with the team would continue in one way or another.
Dhoni's uncertainty about retirement: A decisive decision in the offing
“I don't know. I have 8-9 months to decide. Why take that headache now. I'll always be there for CSK, where it's playing or something outside,” Dhoni replied.
CSK's consistency in IPL
With their first ever win over Gujarat Titans (GT), CSK made it to their 10th IPL final out of 14 seasons. Dhoni was asked about CSK’s consistency as they are way ahead of others when it comes to advancing into the final.
“IPL is too big to say it's just another final. Used to be 8 top teams, now it's 10. I won't say it's just another final. It's hard work of 2 months. Everybody has contributed,” the wicketkeeper said.
Ravindra Jadeja's impactful performance lauded by Dhoni
Ravindra Jadeja contributed with a 22-run cameo and then took two crucial wickets while conceding just 18 runs from his quota of four overs. Dhoni lauded Jadeja for his spell in the middle overs that changed the momentum of the game.
“GT are a fantastic team and they've chased very well, so the thought was to get them in. But it was a good toss to lose. If Jaddu gets conditions that help him. He's very difficult to hit. His bowling changed the game. Not to forget his partnership with Moeen,” the 41-year-old said.
CSK's strategy with inexperienced fast-bowling lineup
The experienced skipper shed light on the team's strategy of building confidence within their inexperienced fast-bowling lineup. Dhoni emphasised the team's efforts to create a supportive environment that encourages exploration and learning for the bowlers.
“We try to create an environment and work out what is the strength of a fast bowler. We try to give them confidence and tell them 'please try to explore your bowling'. We try to motivate them as much as possible. Support staff is there, Bravo and Eric are there,” he added while praising the inexperienced fast-bowling lineup.
Dhoni's unique approach to captaincy and field adjustment
Dhoni was asked about the field adjustment he made just before Hardik Pandya’s wicket. He humorously accepted that he could be an "annoying captain" for frequently adjusting field positions.
“You see the wicket and according to that you keep adjusting the field. I can be a very annoying captain, I keep shifting fielders 2-3 feet. Only request I ask from the fielders is, keep an eye on me. If there's a dropped catch there will be no reaction, just keep an eye on me,” the skipper explained.
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