Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star MS Dhoni recently tackled rumors about his Indian Premier League (IPL) retirement during a podcast with Raj Shamani. Speculation surged after his parents attended a match at MA Chidambaram Stadium on April 5, and his wife, Sakshi, was heard telling their daughter Ziva it was the “last match.” These moments fueled talk that the cricket icon might be nearing the end of his IPL journey.
However, Dhoni clarified his stance, reassuring fans he’s not ready to retire just yet. He told Shamani he’ll monitor his physical condition over the next eight months to see if he can keep playing at 44. “I take it one year at a time,” Dhoni said. “I’m 43 now, and by the time IPL 2025 ends, I’ll be 44. After that, I’ve got 10 months to figure out if I’ll play. It’s not me deciding—it’s my body.” He emphasized a year-by-year approach, continuing as long as his fitness holds up.
CSK head coach Stephen Fleming, speaking to the press after a match against Delhi Capitals, echoed this uncertainty. “I don’t even ask [about his future] these days,” Fleming said. “I’m just enjoying working with him while he’s still going strong.”
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At a separate event ahead of IPL 2025, Dhoni reflected on his love for the game. “I’ve been retired since 2019, so it’s been a while,” he said. “I just want to enjoy cricket for whatever years I have left.” He reminisced about his school days, when 4 p.m. meant sports time—cricket most days, or football if the weather turned. “I want to play with that same innocence, though it’s tougher than it sounds,” he admitted.
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