Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Dhoni said: I don’t know, I have eight or nine months to make a decision. I have enough time to make a decision. Why take on this headache now? The auction is in December. I will always come to CSK. I haven’t been home since January, I’ve been training since March, so we’ll see. I’ll always play for CSK, whether it’s a game or something else.

While Chennai views Ben Stokes as a potential successor to Dhoni, there are concerns about the availability of the English all-rounder.While the current season has been talked about as one in which Stokes can get used to the team environment before taking over as captain, a knee injury has resulted in him playing in just two games.

Dhoni has played this season with a knee injury that has greatly affected his run between the wickets. There have also been occasions when his reflexes behind the stumps have slowed down a bit.

Even though Chennai made it to the final, they are concerned about whether some of their old players will be able to return next season.

Ambati Rayudu, who announced his retirement from the team last season, was forced to change his mind, and is having trouble with the bat this year. Similarly, even Ravindra Jadeja, who had been touted as a finisher, failed to make an impact, forcing Chennai to rely on Dhoni again in recent overs. With Ajinkya Rahane also struggling for consistency, too many changes could hamper them next season.

In that sense, it’s not surprising that Dhoni decided to wait until after the player auction to make a decision about his future.