‘Yaar itna suspense kon rakhta hai’ – Fans react as MS Dhoni answers to whether Qualifier 1 was his last game at Chepauk

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have made it into their 10th IPL final after defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) by 15 runs in Qualifier 1 at the M.A Chidambaram Stadium. The four-time champions will now be looking to clinch their fifth title under the captaincy of MS Dhoni at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 28th.

CSK also played their last match of the season in front of their home at Chepauk. With this, questions were also raised that whether this was the last of the skipper Dhoni in Chennai or not. However, the 41-year-old still didn’t give any confirmation about this when Harsha Bhogle asked him the same question during the post-match presentation and said that he need 8-9 months to decide.

“I don’t know (back next year?) – 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. I have ample time to decide.” Dhoni said at the post-match presentation when asked whether this was his last game with Chennai.

I can be a very annoying captain: Dhoni

Dhoni also reflected on his team’s performance after Qualifying in the final for the 10th time. The CSK skipper said that he won’t call just another IPL final because there are 10 teams now. He also heaped praise on GT for their great season so far. GT will now get another chance to book their ticket for the title match as they will be facing the winner of Eliminator between Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants in Qualifier 2 on May 26th.

“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. Yes, middle-order has not got ample opportunity. 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,” Dhoni said.

“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. 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 (from me), just keep an eye on me.” he further added.