MS Dhoni in IPL 2025: Was this CSK icon's last dance? | Mint

“I’m not saying I’m done,” MS Dhoni said after Chennai Super Kings “(CSK) ‘s final match of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), against Gujarat Titans on Sunday and each listening fan in Raptures. “I’m not saying I’m coming back at the same time.” Dhoni words in the next sentence brought everyone to earth. The cricket world may have been waiting with a covered breath – as it did every time Dhoni played his last IPL match over the past six seasons – but Dhoni smiled and joked, just like any captain after his team ended a disappointing season on a uplifting note: to beat the current table with 83 runs. And do it from the bottom of the table. But there is something else about the question of IPL 2025. The somewhat controversial ‘unmatched’ player rule meant that Dhoni could stay around longer without affecting CSK’s auction scholarship in a mega-annual year. It also gives Dhoni the flexibility to walk away. Of great importance was that IPL 2025 was a disappointment – both on the captaincy, bat and team front. Despite their massive victory to end at a peak, it is the first time in IPL history that CSK will be at the bottom of the table. His own batting yields decreased from the highlights of 2023 and 2024 – but he still had a reverent 196 runs at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.20. MS Dhoni’s fitness, whether Dhoni is good enough or not, has never been the question. You can legally argue that even if he is a bit under Pari, the on-the-field and field leadership he complies with enough compensated. But it takes more and more work for Dhoni every year to get started for the IPL. “I have four five months to decide,” he said. “There is no rush to decide what needs to be done. Each year, it is 15% more effort to keep the body fit. This is not always achievement that you can count, because if cricketers start to retire as a result of performances, some will retire if they are 22! What is important to see how much hungry you have, what kind of fitness you have, and how much you can contribute to the team. ‘ The only thing Dhoni would have with certainty is what he will do in the next few months. “I have enough time. I will go back to Ranchi, have not been home for a long time. Enjoy some bike rides, a few months, and then decide. I have the luxurious time. If you have the luxury, why you don’t think about it and then you can decide. ‘ The transition may be typified by Dhoni’s decision by the fact that CSK actually looks promising, despite lately. Three of their substitutes – Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel and Dewald Brevis – showed the batting spark that is missing in the first half. In Noor Ahmed and Matheesha Pathirana, they have two bowlers who can be world class for years. And there are the experienced hands of Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube and the like. Dhoni said one of his goals as captain this year was to give Gaikwad a good set of players next year. “One of the most important things was that when Rutu returns next season, at least a team can give a team where he has to fit into the game just one or two in the XI play. He doesn’t have to worry about too many things. ‘ MS Dhoni’s age factor Dhoni beat more than most in his career, but there is no win against Father time. He will be almost 45 years old by the time IPL 2026 rolls around. And he has already been made to feel his age this year. When asked what he touched from the Vaibhav Suryavanshi at his feet, Dhoni laughed and said, “You feel old!” And then point to 18-year-old Andre Siddarth in CSK’s Dugout. “I’m sitting on the last seat on the right, and he’s sitting next to me. We just talked and I asked him, ‘How old are you? “He is exactly 25 years younger than me. And despite everything, you should not be surprised if you see that the famous No.7 jersey takes the field for CSK in IPL 2026. Dhoni may be seriously old, but the other thing that is seriously old is his ability to end the chance. Stay up to date with all the actions from the IPL 2025. Look at the IPL 2025 schedule, follow the latest IPL 2025 points table and follow the top performers with the orange cap and purple cap.