Is It Time for MS Dhoni to Step Back? Former Cricketer Weighs In

Former cricketer Joginder Sharma has raised concerns about MS Dhoni's future in the IPL, suggesting it might be time for the legendary player to take a break. As Chennai Super Kings faced a disappointing season, Dhoni's leadership and performance have come under scrutiny. With speculation about his retirement growing, Dhoni himself has indicated he will assess his fitness in the coming months. This article delves into Dhoni's remarkable career, his recent achievements, and the challenges he faces as he contemplates his next steps in cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 20, 2025, 02:16 IST

Is It Time for MS Dhoni to Step Back? Former Cricketer Weighs In

Dhoni's Future in IPL Under Scrutiny

In Diu (Daman and Diu), former Indian cricketer and star of the 2007 T20 World Cup, Joginder Sharma, has expressed that it may be time for MS Dhoni, the iconic player of Chennai Super Kings, to consider taking a break.

Chennai, a franchise known for its five championship titles and 12 playoff appearances, has struggled this season, failing to make it past the group stage. Following the injury of captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhoni stepped in to lead the team during this challenging period.

As the five-time champions faced elimination from playoff contention after a disappointing campaign in the 18th season, discussions about Dhoni's future in the lucrative Indian Premier League have intensified.

Speculation regarding Dhoni's retirement gained traction when his family attended a match at Chepauk last month against the Delhi Capitals. The 43-year-old's decision to bat lower in the order further fueled these rumors, especially after CSK's head coach, Stephen Fleming, noted that Dhoni could not sustain a full ten overs of batting.

Joginder, who famously bowled the final over against Pakistan in the 2007 T20 World Cup, believes it might be time for the seasoned wicketkeeper to conclude his 18-year journey in the IPL. He stated, “Given Mahi's fitness, he should play to demonstrate his condition, but I think it’s time for him to rest.”

Dhoni recently addressed his retirement considerations after his impressive performance helped Chennai defeat the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders. He mentioned that he would need to assess whether his body could handle the pressure in the upcoming six to eight months.

“Once this IPL concludes, I need to train hard for the next 6-8 months to determine if my body can withstand this strain. There’s nothing to decide right now, but the support I’ve received has been wonderful,” he remarked during the post-match presentation.

Throughout the 18th season, Dhoni showcased his remarkable skills, achieving several milestones, including playing in 400 T20 matches, becoming the oldest player to receive the Player of the Match award, and securing the most wins as a captain.

During CSK's IPL 2023 victory, Dhoni participated in every match, leading his team to clinch their fifth IPL title. However, he underwent knee surgery earlier this month to address an issue that had plagued him for much of the season.