MS Dhoni Breaks Silence on IPL Retirement: Former CSK Captain Shares His Thoughts

MS Dhoni Breaks Silence on IPL Retirement- Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the lucky charm of the Chennai Super Kings, has spoken out about his intention to retire from the IPL. In a podcast with Raj Shamani, he clarifies the situation.

For a few seasons now, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been the subject of retirement speculation. During the Covid-19-affected Indian Premier League (IPL) season in 2020, he was first questioned about his future in the sport by commentator Danny Morrison, who enquired as to whether he intended to hang up his gloves.

His forceful “definitely not” reply went viral right after and started a meme frenzy. Since then, “Thala” has come under fire each season, and the 2025 IPL will be no exception.

The season has gotten off to a rough start for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The 43-year-old’s future with the club and the game itself has been the main topic of conversation despite the team’s struggles in every area, particularly with the bat.

Following the sighting of Dhoni’s parents at the M Chidambaram Stadium during Saturday’s CSK vs. Delhi Capitals (DC) game, speculation about his retirement grew.

What was MS Dhoni’s retiring statement?

Dhoni spoke up about this matter in a video podcast with well-known YouTuber Raj Shamani. By asserting that he has not yet ended his career, CSK’s talisman squarely addressed the retirement speculations.

“No, not at this moment. I’m still participating in the IPL. My approach has been straightforward: I take each year as it comes. I am currently 43 years old, and I will be 44 by the end of the 2025 Indian Premier League, so I have 10 months to decide whether or not to participate. But it’s my body that makes the decision, not me. So, we’ll see after that,” Dhoni said Shamani on the podcast, “one year at a time.”

He brought raised the topic before to the 2025 Indian Premier League, so this isn’t the first time he’s discussed it.

“I’ve been retired from international cricket since 2019, so it will be quite some time,” Dhoni stated during a promotional event. In the meanwhile, I have been merely enjoying cricket for the final few years that I will be able to play.

“I want to have the same fun I did in school as a kid. Since 4 p.m. was sports time in the colony where I lived, we would frequently go play cricket. We used to play football, nevertheless, if the weather didn’t allow. It’s easier said than done, but I want to play with the same level of innocence,” he continued.

Trust is fading

Even though Dhoni may have addressed the matter of his retirement, the rumours will only intensify because CSK’s season has taken a sharp turn for the worst after their victory against the Mumbai Indians in their opening match.

Head coach Stephen Fleming was compelled to address the matter during the post-game news conference following the defeat to Washington, DC, saying: “I have no clue. I’m still having fun working with him. He’s still going strong. These days, I don’t even enquire about his future.

“In my opinion, the right time for him to retire was in 2023, right after winning the IPL trophy,” stated Manoj Tiwari, a former cricket player who now provides analysis for Cricbuzz. At that time, he ought to have retired. I think that fans no longer perceive the same spark in the manner he’s been playing for the past two years, despite all the recognition, respect, and notoriety he has gained from cricket over the years. It appears that the supporters’ faith in him is eroding, particularly among Chennai fans.

Renowned analyst Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Dhoni’s inclusion on the team has little impact on cricket.

“I continue to maintain my stance this season that Dhoni’s presence in the team is more for brand value than actual cricketing value,” he stated in a TV pre-match interview. CSK has made that choice since he attracts large crowds and has a sizable fan base.

“Dhoni will still score some runs if he choose to bat at number eight. He’s capable even at No. 9, 10, or 11. But I don’t believe CSK is depending on Dhoni’s batting contributions; instead, they are counting on the other players to perform. Nevertheless, his wicket-keeping is still excellent.

CSK doesn’t have much time to improve their season because they have only two points from their first four games. When they play the Punjab Kings on April 8, 2025, they will need to bounce back fast from their three straight defeats.

International Cricket Retirement

• Retirement Date: August 15, 2020
  
• Format: Retired from all international formats (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is)
  
• Last International Match: July 10, 2019 – vs New Zealand in the ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final
  

IPL Career

• Team: Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
  
• Role: Wicketkeeper-batter and mentor (former captain)
  
• Status: Still active as a player in IPL 2025
  

Post-Retirement Roles

• Most likely to stay on as a mentor or team manager for CSK
  
• High likelihood of owning a franchise or holding a prominent position in Indian cricket administration