“Time for Mahi to Rest”: Joginder Sharma Hints at MS Dhoni’s IPL Retirement

2007 T20 World Cup hero Joginder Sharma believes IPL 2025 should mark the end of MS Dhoni’s legendary run with Chennai Super Kings

Diu (Daman and Diu), May 20:
As Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bow out of the IPL 2025 playoff race, former India pacer and 2007 T20 World Cup hero Joginder Sharma has dropped a strong hint about MS Dhoni’s future in the Indian Premier League, suggesting that it may be time for the legendary cricketer to hang up his boots.

Speaking to ANI, Joginder said, “Considering Mahi’s fitness level, he should play up to prove his fitness, but I believe it is time for him to rest.”

CSK’s season, marked by inconsistency and injuries, ended with them failing to qualify for the playoffs. With captain Ruturaj Gaikwad sidelined, Dhoni took up the leadership role again, but the five-time champions struggled to find momentum throughout the group stage.

The 43-year-old’s sporadic batting appearances and the presence of his family at the Chepauk stadium recently sparked speculation that this might be Dhoni’s final season in the IPL. Adding to the rumour mill, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming recently remarked that Dhoni “can’t bat for 10 overs running full stick,” acknowledging the physical limitations of the aging icon.

In a post-match presentation earlier this month, Dhoni addressed the buzz around his retirement, saying, “After this IPL gets over, I have to work hard for another 6-8 months to see if my body can take this pressure. Nothing to decide now, but the love and affection I have seen is excellent.”

Despite CSK’s early exit, Dhoni continued to break records in the 2025 season — becoming the oldest player to win Player of the Match, completing 400 T20 appearances, and further extending his record for most wins as an IPL captain.

In 2023, Dhoni had led CSK to their fifth IPL title without missing a single game. However, following that triumph, he underwent knee surgery — a reminder of the wear and tear accumulated over nearly two decades of professional cricket.

As discussions about his future intensify, all eyes are now on whether Dhoni will opt to play another season — or let IPL 2025 mark the end of a golden era.