A lot of them don't know when it's going to be my last time, Dhoni on retirement

Dubai: Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni again played the anchor role for Chennai Super King to help them secure a third victory of the season with a thrilling two-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.

Soon after the win, Dhoni received a rousing ovation given the fact that this could be his final appearance at the famous Eden Gardens stadium.

"The love and affection I have seen is excellent. A lot of them don't know when it is going to be my last time," the wicketkeeper said. "So they want to come and see me play."

But when asked about his retirement, the 43-year-old said he was in no rush and he will take time to understand his body for the next few months before taking a call.

"After this IPL is over I have to work hard for another six to eight months to see if my body can take this pressure," Dhoni said. "Nothing to decide now."

Chennai are bottom of the IPL and out of the playoffs, leaving Dhoni - who last played for India in 2019 - potentially two games away from the end of a glittering career.

Noting that Chennai had endured a tough season he said: "This is just the third game we have won (laughs)," he said. "There were a few things that did not go our way. You could get emotional about it, talk about the pride factor, but you have to be practical about it," he added.

Looking ahead Dhoni said the focus will now shift to assessments and experiments to build a stronger team for the next season.

"Just concentrating on where the 25 players could fit. Want to be competitive but you also want answers - which batter can fit where, which bowler can bowl where, according to the conditions and all," he said.