May 8, 2025: Chennai Super Kings legend MS Dhoni has offered the clearest indication yet that his IPL career may be nearing its end, following his side’s two-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday night at Eden Gardens.
Speaking after the match, the 43-year-old Dhoni said he would evaluate his physical readiness over the next 6–8 months before making a final call on his IPL future.
“There is no escaping the fact (that I am in the last phase of my career). After this IPL gets over, I have to work hard for another 6-8 months to see if my body can take this pressure,” Dhoni said, acknowledging the toll the game has taken on his body post-knee surgery.
Although CSK became the first team eliminated from the IPL 2025 playoff race, Dhoni’s appearances have consistently drawn massive crowds — a testament to his enduring legacy. He reflected on the fanfare, noting the emotional connection with supporters across venues:
“A lot of them don’t know when it is going to be my last time, so they want to come and see me play.”
CSK head coach Stephen Fleming recently admitted Dhoni could no longer sustain long batting innings, stating, “He can’t bat 10 overs running full stick.” This has limited Dhoni’s appearances to brief but impactful cameos, often in the final overs.
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Dhoni also addressed CSK’s inconsistent season and the team’s focus on long-term planning:
“We are out of the tournament, so you give [younger players] a chance, see how they react… It is the approach, the mental toughness that you want to check.”
As speculation builds over whether IPL 2025 will mark Dhoni’s final season, the cricketing world — and CSK fans in particular — are cherishing every moment with the iconic skipper on the field.