New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Friday confirmed that he would be playing the next IPL season. "Definitely. It would be unfair not to play in Chennai," MS Dhoni told Star Sports.
Speaking at the toss ahead of CSK's game against Rajasthan Royals, Dhoni said that he would be working hard to return next season.
"Mumbai is one place where as a team and as an individual I have got a lot of love and affection but, you know, it won't be nice to the CSK fans. And, also hopefully next year, it will be an opportunity where the team will be travelling. So, it will be like a thank you to all the different places playing games at different venues," Dhoni said when asked about his future.
"Whether it will be my last year or not that's a big question because we can't predict about something that's two years down the line but definitely I will be working hard to come back strong next year," Dhoni said.
MS Dhoni has led CSK to four IPL titles. He announced his international retirement on August 15, 2020.
In this year's IPL, Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings, who are the defending champions, have been a pale shadow of their usual dominating self. With just four wins out of 13 matches, Chennai are already out of reckoning for the playoffs.
With the season about to end, rumours were abuzz if this would be the last time Dhoni would don the yellow jersey. The confirmation about his availability for IPL 2023 has come as a relief for thousands of Dhoni fans.
Earlier in the day, the legendary Sunil Gavaskar said Dhoni was still keen and enthusiastic about the game.
"Look at the way he's played this season. He's still keen and enthusiastic about the game. When you are not sure about your future you tend to lose your intensity on the pitch. But we've seen him running between the overs from one end to the other keenly, he's still fit and taking those quick singles and doubles while batting. All this only hints that 'Definitely Not'," said Gavaskar on Cricket Live show on Star Sports.