MS Dhoni keeps his IPL retirement decision on hold, focusing on CSK’s future and nurturing young talent.
With IPL 2025 winding down, Dhoni reflects on his journey and the team’s rebuilding process.
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Dhoni’s IPL Future Uncertain
As MS Dhoni’s IPL journey continues, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain has confirmed he will not rush his retirement decision.
The 44-year-old, who will celebrate his birthday in July, has been a consistent leader for CSK but faces growing questions about his future in the tournament.
After guiding his team to a win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Dhoni remained non-committal about his plans beyond IPL 2025.
"I only play two months a year, and after IPL ends, I work hard for 6-8 months to see if my body can handle the pressure," said Dhoni. "There’s nothing to decide right now. I’ll take it as it comes."
CSK’s Struggles in IPL 2025
Despite his individual contributions, CSK’s IPL 2025 season has been a tough one.
The franchise has struggled to find form, sitting at the bottom of the standings with just three wins from 12 matches.
However, Dhoni has continued to lead by example, guiding the team to a thrilling victory against KKR, where his calm presence in the final overs was crucial.
While Dhoni’s physical condition limits his ability to play longer innings, his leadership and tactical acumen have remained key to CSK’s approach, even in a challenging season.
Focusing on Youth
With CSK’s playoff hopes dashed, Dhoni and the management are now focusing on building for IPL 2026.
The emergence of new talent, such as Dewald Brevis and debutant Urvil Patel, has been one of the few bright spots.
Dhoni emphasized the importance of giving youngsters a chance to prove themselves in match scenarios, highlighting their mental toughness and game awareness as essential qualities.
While Dhoni anchored the chase with a match-winning six in the final over, the innings was built by rookies Urvil Patel and Dewald Brevis:
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Patel, making his IPL debut, smashed 31 off 11 balls (4 sixes) at a strike rate of 281.81, setting a record for the second-highest strike rate in an IPL debut innings.
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Brevis, the South African sensation, delivered a 22-ball 52, including three sixes and three fours in a single over, turning the game at 93-5.
Their heroics ended CSK’s six-year drought in chasing 180+ totals, with Dhoni praising their “game awareness” and mental toughness.
"We want to test our young players and see how they handle pressure situations," Dhoni said. "It’s not always about technique. It’s about understanding the game, reading the situation, and executing under pressure."
As the IPL season winds down, Dhoni’s leadership continues to be central to CSK’s rebuilding strategy, and despite the tough season, there is hope for the future.
