Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni gave the first clear indication of his retirement plans on Tuesday night after the team won the IPL title for a record-equalling 5th time.

Dhoni said the “easy thing” would be to announce his retirement as the team has just won the IPL title. However, the “tough thing” would be to train for the next 9 months and try and play at least one more season of IPL as a “gift” to his fans who have showered him with so much love and affection.

“But a lot depends on the body. It would take 6-7 months to decide. It will be more like a gift from my side. It’s not easy for me but the way they have shown their love and affection, that’s something that I need to do,” the CSK skipper said at the prize presentation ceremony after the match.

“My eyes were full of water, I needed to take some time off in the dugout. I realised I need to enjoy this,” he added.