As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season dawns, all eyes are on MS Dhoni, one of cricket’s most iconic figures, as he prepares to lead Chennai Super Kings (CSK) into battle against powerhouse Mumbai Indians in the tournament’s opening match on Sunday. With the IPL schedule unveiled, speculation about Dhoni’s plans post-international retirement has once again taken center stage among fans, a recurring theme in recent years.
Speaking ahead of the high-stakes encounter with Mumbai Indians, Dhoni addressed his future with CSK in a JioHotstar interview. “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,” he remarked, signaling his enduring commitment to the team.
CSK Captain Gaikwad Praises Dhoni’s Enduring Brilliance
Current CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad lauded Dhoni’s extraordinary ability to perform at 43, expressing optimism about the veteran delivering vital contributions this season. Dhoni is slated to bat lower down the order, likely at No. 7 or 8, a role he’s embraced in recent IPL campaigns.
Gaikwad, speaking to reporters on the eve of the Mumbai Indians showdown, highlighted Dhoni’s impact on the squad. “A lot of new players have joined the team, and sometimes they struggle to hit the ball as well as he does even now. It’s inspiring for all of us, including me,” he said. “What he’s achieving at 43 is remarkable. We’ve stuck to our strengths over the past two years, and I hope he keeps delivering those crucial knocks.”
The skipper also shed light on Dhoni’s meticulous preparation during training sessions ahead of the opener. “His approach is tailored to his role simple and focused. He works on smashing sixes, perfecting his swing, and staying in top form,” Gaikwad explained. “He’s never looked out of shape. Even Sachin Tendulkar is batting brilliantly at 50 in the Masters league, so I think Dhoni has plenty of years left in him.”