Chennai Super Kings stand-in captain MS Dhoni will take his time on any retirement calls, stating that he has “four to five months” to take that decision.

Dhoni led CSK to a mammoth 83-run win over the Gujarat Titans on Sunday, though his side have endured their worst-ever IPL season, finishing bottom of the table with just four wins from 14 matches.

An injury to Ruturaj Gaikwad complicated matters, with Dhoni needing to step in as captain after Gaikwad was ruled out for the tournament.

Chennai have lost five matches at home in a season for the first time, and failed to qualify for the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time since the inauguration of the tournament.

Speaking after CSK’s win over the Titans, Dhoni downplayed rumours of retirement, instead stating that he would take his time.

“There's no hurry to decide what needs to be done,” Dhoni told the broadcasters after the match.

“Every year, it's 15% more effort to keep the body fit, and not to forget this is top-level cricket.

“It's professional cricket; you have to be at your best. And it's not always just performances that you can count, because if cricketers start retiring because of performance, then a few of them will retire when they're 22.”

Will the MS Dhoni story continue in #TATAIPL❓

Hear from the #CSK legend himself as he signs off from the 2025 season #GTvCSK | @ChennaiIPL | @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/uigzZJlSvk

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 25, 2025

Dhoni has been highly influential for CSK behind the stumps and in his role as captain this season, though his batting ability has been severely diminished due to recurring knee injuries.

This year, he has often batted lower down the order to time his entry during the back-end of the innings due to his struggles running between the wickets.

He has managed 196 runs in 13 innings this season, with a high score of 30 and an average of 24.50, striking at 135.

“What is important to see is how much hunger you have, what kind of fitness you have, and how much you can contribute to the team, and whether the team needs you or not,” the former India captain added.

“Now I will go back to Ranchi, I haven't been home for a long time, so I’ll enjoy a few bike rides.

“I'm not saying I'm done, I'm not saying I'm coming back. As I said, I have the luxury of time. When you have the luxury, then why not think about it and then decide?”