Could IPL 2025 mark the last of MS Dhoni in the league?

No matter which ground hosts CSK in IPL, the stands are filled with 'Yellove'. Thousands of fans across India await a glimpse of MS Dhoni at the ground. The 43-year-old, who returns every season for IPL, commands the loudest cheers when he enters the field with the bat in his hands. As fate would have it, the turn of MS Dhoni to bat in the GT vs CSK IPL 2025 match, the last for Chennai Super Kings in this season, didn't arrive. Now, whether it's a sign that the finisher will return in 2026 or if it's the end of his legacy in IPL is still to undisclosed. 

"Every year is a new challenge," says MS Dhoni at the the toss of GT vs CSK IPL 2025 match

Discussions around the retirement of MS Dhoni run rampant across IPL seasons for the last few years now. Whether the right time has come, or it has elapsed for the World Champion to bid goodbye, is discussed by the fraternity, away from the playing field and in some studio. The ongoing season added weightage to their arguments as CSK marked one of their worst editions. No matter the result in the GT vs CSK match, the five-time champions would finish at the bottom of the points table. In the edition where the entire team has struggled, MS Dhoni proved little to no respite despite coming back as the captain.

Speculations are always high around the conclusion of Dhoni's time in the league. From his parents coming to see a match to his body language at the toss, everything is scrutinised to predict Dhoni's next move. However, Dhoni himself maintains a practical approach whenever he faces the question. Time and again, Captain Cool has reiterated the same stance. If his body allows, he would return for the next season. If his body finally says 'enough', Dhoni would walk away subtly, most probably months away from the next season without asking for much fanfare in his trademark style.

Whether it's retirement or not, the GT vs CSK match marked the last of MS Dhoni as the captain of CSK. The 43-year-old returned to the spot when Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out of IPL 2025 with a fractured elbow. While CSK didn't have a transformation in their fate, the fans got to see Dhoni once again leading the side that won five IPL trophies, the joint-most in IPL. As MS Dhoni arrived for the toss in the GT vs CSK IPL 2025 match, possibly the last time, Ravi Shastri questioned the captain about his plans next. Dhoni talked about his fitness, terming it as 'surviving' with special care season after season.

"Well it's surviving. Every year is a new challenge, especially when you reach the last stage of your career, you have to respect the body, and it also needs a lot of maintenance. Thanks to the support staff; they've been doing their bit on and off. But it's responded well. I can only thank god that when I was playing international cricket and playing for the country, it didn't trouble me enough," said Dhoni.