MS Dhoni shuts down retirement rumors, says he’ll play "even on wheelchair"

MS Dhoni has put an end to speculation about his retirement ahead of IPL 2025, asserting that he will continue playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as long as he wants. Speaking ahead of CSK’s opening match against Mumbai Indians, Dhoni said, “I can play for as long as I want for CSK. That’s my franchise. Even if I’m in a wheelchair, they’ll drag me.” His statement comes after he stepped down as captain before IPL 2024 but remained a key player for the team.

Despite battling a knee injury throughout IPL 2023, Dhoni underwent surgery and returned for the 2024 season, playing as a finisher. He batted lower in the order, scoring 161 runs off 73 balls at a strike rate of 220. His training ahead of IPL 2025 has focused on power-hitting, with an emphasis on six-hitting and maintaining match fitness. CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad praised Dhoni’s form, stating that even younger players sometimes struggle to strike the ball as well as he does.

Dhoni is also on the verge of a major milestone, needing 19 runs to surpass Suresh Raina as CSK’s highest run-scorer in IPL history. Raina currently holds the record with 4,687 runs. On the bowling front, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is eight wickets away from overtaking Dwayne Bravo as CSK’s highest wicket-taker in IPL history. Bravo, who played a crucial role in multiple title-winning seasons, has 140 wickets for the franchise.

CSK will begin their IPL 2025 campaign with a high-profile match against Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The five-time champions will look to start strong, with Dhoni continuing to play a crucial role in the squad. His presence remains significant, even as he relinquished leadership duties. His experience and finishing ability will be vital in the tournament.

With Dhoni reaffirming his commitment to CSK, his future beyond IPL 2025 remains uncertain. However, his influence on the franchise continues, with no official statement indicating a timeline for his retirement. Fans will closely watch his performances as he begins another season with CSK.