MS Dhoni, the face of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and a cricketing legend, has yet again sparked retirement speculations ahead of IPL 2025. His arrival in Chennai wearing a T-shirt with “One Last Time” in Morse code sent fans into a frenzy. But is IPL 2025 really his last season? While fans and analysts debate, Dhoni himself has given a response that leaves more questions than answers.
MS Dhoni’s Cryptic Hint – “One Last Time”
When MS Dhoni was spotted donning a T-shirt that read “One Last Time” in Morse code, social media exploded with rumors. Fans and experts alike began dissecting the possibility of the 43-year-old legend finally hanging up his boots. Dhoni has never been one to announce his plans prematurely. His international retirement in 2020 came via an Instagram post with the song “Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Hoon.” Similarly, his future in IPL has remained shrouded in mystery, making it impossible to predict his final call.
Dhoni Breaks His Silence
Ahead of CSK’s IPL 2025 opener against Mumbai Indians, Dhoni finally addressed the speculation. Speaking to Jio Hotstar, he said, “I can play for as long as I want for CSK. That’s my franchise. Even if I’m in a wheelchair, they’ll drag me.”
CSK and Dhoni share a bond like no other player-franchise duo in cricket. The former CSK captain has always reiterated that as long as he is fit, he will continue playing. The franchise, on the other hand, has shown unwavering faith in him, even allowing him to dictate his playing role.
MS Dhoni’s Role in IPL 2025
In IPL 2023, Dhoni passed the captaincy baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad. The transition was smooth, and Dhoni continued to play in a finishing role, proving his value in crunch moments. Dhoni has been coming in at No. 8 or lower, ensuring he plays quickfire cameos. His IPL 2023 season saw him smashing 161 runs off 73 balls at a staggering strike rate of 220.
Post the 2023 season, Dhoni underwent knee surgery and took time off for recovery. Despite concerns, he has returned in IPL 2025 looking fit and ready. His training focus remains on power-hitting, proving that he can still clear the ropes with ease.
Ruturaj Gaikwad on Dhoni’s Impact
CSK’s new skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad, recently highlighted Dhoni’s remarkable influence. He said, “A lot of new players struggle to strike the ball as well as he is striking it right now. Whatever he is doing at the age of 43 is remarkable.”
Gaikwad emphasized that Dhoni tailors his training to match his role, focusing on six-hitting efficiency and maintaining the perfect swing.
He stated, “I think his training is very much limited to whatever he tries to achieve or whatever his role would be in the IPL. So, it is pretty much very simple, focused on trying to hit as many as sixes as possible and trying to get the right swing, trying to be in the best shape. That is what I think initially he was trying to do and then I never thought he was out of shape. If you see now, even Sachin Tendulkar is batting (in the Master’s league) as great as he is right now at the age of 50. So, I think there are still many years to go (for Dhoni).”
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