MS Dhoni Turns 44: A Look Back at His Legendary Cricket Journey

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, celebrated his 44th birthday, reflecting on his illustrious career and ongoing role in the IPL. Known for his remarkable achievements, including leading India to multiple World Cup victories, Dhoni continues to inspire fans despite facing challenges with injuries. As he considers his future in cricket, the anticipation for his return in the 2026 IPL season grows. Discover more about Dhoni's journey and his thoughts on fitness and team contribution in this engaging article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 7, 2025, 15:31 IST

Celebrating MS Dhoni's 44th Birthday

Mumbai: The iconic Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni, renowned for being the only captain to secure the ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, and Champions Trophy, celebrated his 44th birthday on Monday.

During his tenure as captain, the Indian Test team achieved the No.1 ranking for an impressive 18 months. Recently, Dhoni was honored with induction into the ICC Hall of Fame for the class of 2025.

Although he stepped away from international cricket nearly five years ago, Dhoni remains active in the Indian Premier League, playing for the Chennai Super Kings despite dealing with a persistent knee injury.

This IPL season, he filled in for the regular CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was sidelined due to an elbow injury, and led the team with determination, securing several notable victories towards the season's conclusion.

Despite the challenges posed by his knee injury and the passage of time affecting his once-aggressive batting style, Dhoni continues to attract large crowds during IPL matches across the nation.

All five of CSK's IPL titles have been won under Dhoni's leadership, and fans are hopeful for his return in the 2026 season.

However, Dhoni has not committed to this, stating, "It depends. I have four months to make a decision, and there’s no rush to determine my future."

He added, "Every year, it requires 15 percent more effort to maintain fitness, especially at this level of cricket. It’s professional cricket, and you must perform at your best. If players retired solely based on performance, many would leave the game by age 22."

Currently, Dhoni is relishing his time away from the limelight in his hometown of Ranchi.

He emphasized, "What matters is your hunger, fitness, and ability to contribute to the team, as well as whether the team needs you."