• Source:JND
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JE Sports Desk:  Mahendra Singh Dhoni had a memorable season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 as his side Chennai Super Kings (CSK) went on to lift their fifth IPL title to match Mumbai Indians tally of most trophies.

Dhoni who was believed to be playing his last season in 2023 before his retirement, not only lit up the stage with the bat but with his motivational and passionate words also.

The former Indian captain was receiving humongous support from every ground he was visiting to play matches even in the away venues to CSK.

Understandably playing at Chepauk was something very special for Dhoni as the Southern part of the country was hosting their team after a long while.

The crowd in Chennai was coming in massive numbers to see their beloved 'Thala' in action and even traveled to other venues as well to make it a home feeling for the CSK players.

Apart from Chepauk, almost every stadium witnessed the overflow of fans in yellow who were mad about getting even a little glimpse of Dhoni.

Massive chants and cheers during Dhoni's little appearance became a new normal of IPL in the 2023 edition and Dhoni's words of wisdom just added some extra taste of thrill and excitement for the fans as the CSK skipper ended the campaign with the special gift to his fans and followers across the nation.

On the auspicious occasion of Dhoni's 42nd birthday, let's recall some memorable interview quotes from India's one of the most popular and famous sporting personalities.


1. Dhoni recalls his highest ODI score of 183 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur


"This is a very special venue, my first ODI hundred in Vizag gave me 10 games but the 183 I made here gave me another one year. It was great to be back here,"

 

2. Dhoni reminds everyone of the last phase of his career


“Whatever said and done, it’s the last phase of my career, however long I play. It’s important to enjoy it. After two years, the fans have had the opportunity to come here and watch, feels good to be here. The crowd has given us a lot of love and affection. Not getting enough chances to bat, but no complaints."

 

3. Dhoni recalls his Kharagpur days and thanks crowd of Kolkata


"I have played a lot of cricket here in Kolkata. But I won't say quite a lot, because I haven't played U16 or U19, which reduces the number of games. But, you know I had a job in Kharagpur which was 2 hours away from here. So I spent a lot of time over there, playing a lot of cricket and also football. So, i think the love comes from there,"

"I will just say thanks for the support, they came in big numbers. Most of these guys will come in a KKR jersey next time. They are trying to give me a farewell, so thanks a lot to the crowd,"

 

4. Dhoni's funny jibe at Danny Morrison on 'last game' remark


“Well, you’ve decided it is my last," a smiling Dhoni replied.

 

5. Dhoni on his future after the IPL final


"Looking for an answer? Circumstantially if you see, this is the best time to announce my retirement. But the amount of love and affection I have been shown wherever I have been this year, 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. A lot depends on the body, I have 6-7 months to decide. It will be more like a gift from my side, it's not easy for me but that's a gift. The way they've shown their love and affection, I think that's something I need to do for them."

 

6. Dhoni's exciting take on Chepauk return


"Does mean a lot to be back here. IPL started in 2008 but we've not played a lot of cricket here. Only about 5-6 seasons we've been here. This is the first time the full stadium will be operational, a few stands were empty earlier. Really glad that we get to play all our home games here at Chepauk, means a lot. 

 

7. Dhoni on special connection with Wankhede Stadium


"One of the most memorable venues. Not only because of the 2011 World Cup but also 2007 when we won (T20 World Cup) and came back, the kind of reception we got from Mumbai. That was fantastic."