Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has strongly hinted at his intention to continue playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) beyond 2025. At 43, Dhoni addressed ongoing speculation about his future in the league, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining peak physical fitness to stay competitive for the “next few years.” This suggests that Dhoni could not only feature in CSK’s plans for IPL 2025 but potentially remain involved throughout the three-year cycle following the mega auction.
“When you play cricket like a professional sport, it becomes difficult to enjoy it just like a game. That’s what I want to do. It’s not easy. The emotions keep coming, the commitments are there. I want to enjoy the game for the next few years,” Dhoni said.
He also touched on the physical demands of staying match-fit, explaining, “I have to keep myself fit for nine months, so that I can play two and a half months of IPL. You need to plan it out, but at the same time chill a bit.”
While Dhoni has officially handed over CSK’s captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024, his continued presence as a five-time IPL-winning captain would undoubtedly be a major boost for both CSK and the tournament. His leadership and experience are invaluable to the team and fans alike.
Dhoni, who has not played for Team India in over five years, is eligible to be retained by CSK as an uncapped player for just ₹4 crore. This opportunity comes with the reinstatement of a retention rule that was abolished in 2021, further securing his place in the franchise’s plans for the upcoming seasons.
Fans of Dhoni and CSK will be excited to see how the iconic cricketer continues to shape his IPL journey in the coming years.