Grounded by fan's love

CHENNAI: Chennai Super Kings team’s triumphant captain MS Dhoni has not yet ruled out playing in the next season of the Indian Premier League, saying that he would take a call depending on how his body copes.

In the early hours of Tuesday, the 41-year-old Dhoni led Super Kings to a record-equaling fifth IPL title with a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans here. “Circumstantially, this is the best time to announce my retirement. But, the amount of love I have received all over, the easy thing would be to walk away from here. But, the harder thing would be to work hard for nine months and try to play another IPL,” Dhoni said after the final.

“It would be a gift from me, would not be easy on the body,” he added. Asked about his reaction post the triumph, Dhoni replied: “You do get emotional, the first game at CSK, everyone was chanting my name. My eyes were full of water, I needed to take some time off in the dugout. I realised I need to enjoy this. I think they (fans) love me for what I am, I do not try to portray something I am not. Just keep it simple,” Dhoni added. 

Chennai Super Kings team’s triumphant captain MS Dhoni has not yet ruled out playing in the next season of the Indian Premier League, saying that he would take a call depending on how his body copes.

In the early hours of Tuesday, the 41-year-old Dhoni led Super Kings to a record-equaling fifth IPL title with a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans here. “Circumstantially, this is the best time to announce my retirement. But, the amount of love I have received all over, the easy thing would be to walk away from here. But, the harder thing would be to work hard for nine months and try to play another IPL,” Dhoni said after the final.

“It would be a gift from me, would not be easy on the body,” he added. Asked about his reaction post the triumph, Dhoni replied: “You do get emotional, the first game at CSK, everyone was chanting my name. My eyes were full of water, I needed to take some time off in the dugout. I realised I need to enjoy this. I think they (fans) love me for what I am, I do not try to portray something I am not. Just keep it simple,” Dhoni added.

The easy thing would be for me to say ‘Thank you very much’, but the tough thing for me is to work hard for another 9 months and come back and play at least 1 more season of IPL

— MS Dhoni

The IPL match has ended last night but the celebrations and the songs in praises of MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja seem never-ending. Internet is abuzz with accolades and also letters written by fans to CSK-haters.

Photos and videos of Dhoni lifting Jadeja immediately after the scoring a four is on everyone’s WhatsApp status and Instagram stories. After all, it’s being hailed as the ‘best gift’ the team had for Dhoni and the fans in stadiums.

Even those who do not follow cricket would probably watch a match or two because of Dhoni. The Ranchi boy is a superstar in TN, a State that treats its film stars like demi-gods.

Twitteratti and several celebs who were present at the stadium went wild online. Actress Varalaxmi Sarathkumar tweeted, “Wattteeee finalsss..3 days long..totally worth the wait.. the tension..the madness..the love all for one game..one

team..one man..#cricket #csk @ msdhoni ...my god I died

today..but we did it..we are the champions ..@imjadeja u rockstar.. every single player in our team we love”

Actor Sathish, who went to Ahmedabad to witness the action live, shared his happiness tweeting: We Went To Ahmedabad With Confidence & Love .... And Return With The Cup Always Love You @ChennaiIPL and @ msdhoni”

The match was a rollercoaster ride with all kinds of emotions overflowing as Dhoni walked back to the pavilion without any runs and fans caught their breath. And then came the last 2 balls, which had the fans bursting crackers even during the wee hours of the morning, and celebrating the magnificent win even after 2 am on Tuesday morning. Singer Shweta Mohan praised Jadeja saying, “Deiii #Chennai daaa... #ChennaiSuperkings daaaaa #CSK @ChennaiIPL

We owe you a salute @imjadeja for every game of this #IPL, being the champ while the stadium asked for 7. Thank you for everything Thala @msdhoni. Proud of Chennai champ #SaiSudharsan”

Rivaba, wife of Jadeja, had tears of joy when Jadeja ran towards his team players. Later, she came to the field and hugged him. This was one amongst the most circulated video on the social media. Deepak Chahar’s Bhangra moves at the hotel after the match are also winning the internet.

Tea shops, restaurants, parks and gyms were abuzz with everyone calling it a ‘match to remember’ in cricket history.

“Our hopes were pinned on Dhoni even after Gujarat Titans scored over 200 runs. We could see the team’s effort to win the match and their intent to win as a gift for Dhoni. It was like the Universe wanted this for Dhoni. The match was so exciting that someone like Dhoni who usually refrains from any kind of show of emotions, was seen emotional at the end,” says Imthiyaz Ahamed, a thala fan in Chennai.

Contrary to expectations, Dhoni did not announce his retirement after the win.

It’s not very common for political leaders to encourage players from other States to play in Tamil Nadu. But Chief Minister MK Stalin had urged Dhoni to keep playing for the love of his fans.

“We see how humble a man can be. He asked Jadeja and Rayudu to move forward as the trophy was presented. Even as the team joined the celebration, we would see Dhoni smiling in a corner. Truly a hero for us,” says Hariharan, a cricket club batsman from Tambaram and a CSK fan.

It’s not very common for political leaders to encourage players from other States to play in Tamil Nadu. But Chief Minister MK Stalin had urged Dhoni to keep playing for the love of his fans