MS Dhoni On IPL Retirement: “Not Saying I’m Done, Not Saying I’m Coming Back”
Chennai Super Kings legend MS Dhoni has finally addressed the speculation surrounding his Indian Premier League (IPL) future after CSK’s emphatic win over Gujarat Titans in the 2025 season. In what could be seen as a bittersweet end to a difficult campaign, the 43-year-old icon offered a candid glimpse into his mindset about retirement — and left fans hanging.
“I’m not saying I’m done. I’m not saying I’m coming back,” Dhoni said after the match, adding that he has “4-5 months” to make a decision. The statement was neither a confirmation of retirement nor a commitment to return, but it did reflect the former India captain’s trademark calm and clarity.
Despite their win on Sunday, CSK finished at the bottom of the table, in what has been one of their most disappointing seasons. Dhoni stepped back into captaincy duties after Ruturaj Gaikwad was sidelined due to injury, but the team struggled to gain momentum throughout the tournament.
Reflecting on the season, Dhoni said:
“We didn’t have a great run, but today’s performance was nearly perfect. The catching, especially, was good. I’ll head back to Ranchi, enjoy some bike rides, and think about what’s next.”
With regard to his future, he stressed the importance of fitness and readiness over age, joking that if players retired just because of one poor season, “some would retire at 22.”
He also had words of encouragement for Gaikwad:
“Rutu doesn’t need to stress. He’ll slot into one of the roles seamlessly. He’s 25 years younger than me—that makes me feel ancient,” Dhoni quipped, drawing laughter.
For now, Dhoni remains in no rush. “I have the luxury of time,” he said, leaving fans with hope—and suspense—about whether the beloved “Thala” will return for one final roar.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
