As the excitement builds towards the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, minds of fans and analysts alike wander towards the question: Will MS Dhoni don the whites once again? Former India Captain and Chennai Super Kings Skipper seems to leave the doors ajar for the next season, a chapter which may involve an electrifying conclusion to his illustrious cricket career.
Dhoni, then 43 years old, had quoted as saying that he would rather enjoy the remaining years he had in cricket than bother about the pressures in the game. Speaking at the recent software brand promotional event for Rigi, he said, “I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play.” This says Dhoni is not thinking solely for IPL 2025 but probably for a longer duration by a three-year cycle after the mega-auction.
The professional cricket pressure burden somehow makes it hard for a cricket player to play it for its full. He accepts the challenge. “When you play cricket like a professional sport, it becomes difficult to enjoy it just like a game. I want to enjoy the game for the next few years,” he shared. This candid admission reflects Dhoni’s mindset as he enters his final years as a player, trying to find a sense of commitment and personal satisfaction.
Dhoni has been out of international cricket since 15th August 2020; he would easily qualify under the uncapped player criteria, and so the CSK can keep him for just INR 4 crore, just a fraction of their INR 120 crore budget. Now keeping Dhoni on the CSK side would be nothing less than a no-brainer strategy as he has led them to victory over years, and that is exactly the reason why CSK needs him so desperately. He proved his worth in the 2024 IPL season. It was a very impressive strike rate of 220 runs at 161, which told him that age has not indulged in his ability to impact games considerably.
Reports are also coming that Dhoni will meet CSK management and chart his future after the deadline of October 31st when the retained list is out. Former India cricketer and his teammate Harbhajan Singh had echoed the fact that Dhoni was essential for CSK, “If he is available, he would certainly be the first choice of the team to retain,” the comments only reflect how the man is a legend with CSK and brings as much experience to the fore.
Additionally, Dhoni’s participation in IPL 2025 will inspire the CSK side that has significantly depended on him to provide the team with guidance and vision. Under his captaincy, CSK has claimed five titles for the IPL, making it arguably the most successful franchise in the league’s history. Since the present skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad, will always benefit from Dhoni’s guidance and mentoring experience, it seems obvious to have him around. The young blood, which should fit into his team’s culture, always benefits from his being around.
Everyone is waiting for IPL 2025, and it’s once again an excitement for fans to watch the return of MS Dhoni. People feel that he is IPL, and the day he returns will breathe new life into the spark which has created this game for a world phenomenon.
In conclusion
Since Dhoni has expressed a desire to continue playing and enjoying the game, though his future remains uncertain, it only goes on to suggest that the cricketing legend may not have officially retired. If he agrees to play in IPL 2025, then it would be another chapter in the storied career and also set a stage for some memorable moments that the fans would cherish years ahead. The next season of IPL once again will make all the viewers wait with bated breath for the glittering spark of Dhoni in cricket.
