Wooden spooners Chennai end IPL with big win over Gujarat

Ahmedabad, India: Opener Devon Conway and Dewald Brevis hit half-centuries to help bottom-placed Chennai Super Kings end their IPL campaign with a crushing 83-run win over Gujarat Titans on Sunday.

New Zealand´s Conway hit 52 and South African Brevis made 57 off 23 balls to fire Chennai to 230-5 after they elected to bat first at the world´s biggest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad. The bowlers then combined to dismiss Gujarat, who have already qualified for the playoffs, for 147 in 18.3 overs.

Chennai ended with four wins in 14 matches with debate raging once again over the future of their veteran M.S. Dhoni, who took over as leader midway after injury to regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.

The 43-year-old Dhoni has been linked with retirement but chose to keep his cards close to his chest after the game. “I have four-five months to decide, there´s no hurry,” said Dhoni.

The former India captain, who turns 44 in July, has had an underwhelling IPL season scoring just 196 runs down the order. However, he has again shone with his wicketkeeping, pulling off several fine stumpings.

“Need to keep the body fit,” said Dhoni. “You have to be at your best. If cricketers start retiring for their performance, some of them will retire at 22. I will go back to Ranchi, enjoy a few bike rides.

“I am not saying I am done, not saying I am coming back. I have the luxury of timing.” Gujarat, Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians are certain of filling the top four places, but are fighting to finish in the top two spots which offer two shots at reaching the final on June 3. Gujarat end the group stage with 18 points. Punjab (17), Bengaluru (17) and five-time winners Mumbai (16) have one match left.