CSK's MS Dhoni walks out to bat against DC during their IPL 2025 match in Chennai on Saturday (April 5). Photo: BCCI
Dhoni on IPL retirement: I have 10 months to decide
Former CSK captain MS Dhoni has said he is taking one year at a time and the retirement call will be made depending on what his "body tells him" after he turns 44
Amid speculations over his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), MS Dhoni has spoken spoke about his future with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Twenty20 league.
Also read: Fleming on Dhoni's retirement
On Saturday (April 5), when CSK played their IPL 2025 match against Delhi Capitals (DC) at CSK’s home ground – M A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, there were rumours that Dhoni would bid adieu to cricket. The presence of Dhoni’s parents triggered talks of his retirement online.
Dhoni's podcast
However, Dhoni played the game, which CSK lost by 25 runs, and there was no announcement on his future. CSK have now lost three matches in a row.
Also read: Hat-rick of losses for CSK
In a podcast with Raj Shamani on Sunday (April 6), Dhoni was asked about his future in the ongoing IPL 2025, and he has categorically stated that he is not retiring in the middle of the season, which is good for Dhoni’s fans.
“No, not right now. I am still playing the IPL. I have kept it very simple, I take it one year at a time, I am 43, by the time IPL 2025 finishes, I will be 44, so after that I have 10 months to decide if I would play or not. But it is not me deciding, it is my body that tells you whether you can or cannot. So, one year at a time. I am fully focused on what needs to be done right now. we will see after that. We have 8 to 10 months’ time” Dhoni said on the podcast.
What Fleming said
On Saturday, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming was asked about Dhoni’s retirement and he said is not aware of the former captain’s plans.
“I have no idea. I’m just enjoying working with him (Dhoni) still. He is still going strong. I don’t even ask (about his future) these days,” Fleming said after the CSK’s defeat to DC.
Since retiring from international cricket, Dhoni has featured only in the IPL. With no cricket throughout the year, he has kept himself fit for the lone tournament, and it is showing in his quick reflexes behind the stumps. However, Dhoni’s batting is not at his best of yesteryears, as seen in the matches so far in IPL 2025.
In the current IPL season, Dhoni has batted at No. 7 or lower and even came at No. 9 in the run chase against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) which former cricketers and fans criticised.