Dhoni ahead of IPL 2025 retentions: ‘Want to enjoy last few years of cricket’

Ahead of the retentions for IPL 2025, former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni has hinted that next year’s tournament might not be his last as a player.

As per the old retention rule which has been brought back for IPL 2025, CSK have the option of retaining Dhoni as an uncapped player for Rs 4 crore. As per the rule, Indian players who have retired for more than five years will be under the uncapped category.

Dhoni’s last outing for India before retirement was the ICC World Cup 2019 semi-final against New Zealand.

Also read: IPL 2025 retention rules, salary details, and more

Speaking at an event in Goa, 43-year-old Dhoni said he wants to enjoy his “last few years of cricket”.

“I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play,” Dhoni said during a promotional event for Rigi, for which he is a brand ambassador, according to a report in Times of India.

“In our childhood, we used to go out to play at 4 pm and enjoy the game. But when you play professional sport, it becomes difficult to enjoy cricket, just like a game. That’s what I want to do. It’s not easy. The emotions keep coming, the commitments are there. I want to enjoy the game for the next few years,” he added.

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Dhoni plays only IPL now and he spoke about how he keeps himself fit for the Twenty20 tournament.

“I have to keep myself fit for nine months so that I can play two and a half months of IPL. You need to plan it out, but at the same time, you know, chill a bit,” said Dhoni, who has led CSK to five IPL titles.

“I've kept it very simple. I'll train for 15, 20, 25 days, then take off for 15-20 days, so it really helps me be in the groove. I can enjoy the food that I want to eat. Once I start training, I follow a good diet, I won't say an excellent diet. That's what keeps me busy,” he added.