MS Dhoni Leaves Fans Guessing About IPL Retirement Plans

MS Dhoni has sparked speculation about his retirement from the IPL, leaving fans wondering about his future in cricket. After a challenging season for Chennai Super Kings, where they finished last, Dhoni reflects on the team's performance and his own plans. He emphasizes the importance of fitness and performance in professional cricket, stating he has several months to decide whether to continue playing. As he prepares for some downtime in Ranchi, Dhoni remains non-committal about his return, creating anticipation among fans for what lies ahead.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 25, 2025, 22:14 IST

Dhoni's Uncertain Future in IPL

MS Dhoni has left his fans in a state of uncertainty regarding his retirement from the IPL. The 43-year-old cricketer has not clearly indicated whether he will participate in the next season. He remarked that if players were to retire based solely on performance, many would end their careers by the age of 22. This season, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had a disappointing run, finishing at the bottom of the table in tenth place. However, they managed to secure a victory in their final league match against Gujarat Titans.

CSK's Final Match Performance

On Sunday, CSK achieved a remarkable win against Gujarat, scoring 230 runs for 5 wickets and winning by 83 runs. Out of 14 matches, CSK only managed to win four. Regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was sidelined due to injury and could only play five matches, leading Dhoni to take charge again. After the match, Dhoni commented on the season, stating that while it was not a good one, finishing with a win was satisfying. He noted that the bowling and batting performances were among the best this season, despite the team's fielding not being up to par.

Dhoni's Thoughts on Retirement

When asked about his plans for the next season, Dhoni mentioned that he has four to five months to make a decision and that there is no rush to determine his future. He emphasized the importance of maintaining fitness, stating that it requires significant effort each year. Dhoni acknowledged the demands of professional cricket, where performance is not always guaranteed. He expressed that if players began retiring based on performance alone, many would retire at a young age.

Future Plans and Reflections

Regarding his potential return next year, Dhoni reiterated that he has ample time to decide. He mentioned that he plans to visit Ranchi and enjoy some motorcycle rides. He clarified that he is neither announcing his retirement nor confirming his return, stating that he will take his time to think things over before making a final decision.