New Delhi: MS Dhoni insists on taking his own sweet time to decide on his Indian Premier League career after conclusion of Chennai Super King’s 2025 campaign.
Speculation over his future has increased after five-time champions CSK failed to qualify for the play-offs.
Dhoni had to take over captaincy duties once again as regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad limped out of the tournament midway with an injury.
Though CSK’s fortunes hardly improved even Dhoni at the helm and despite an 83-run win over Gujarat Titans on Sunday, they finished at the bottom of the standings with only eight wins in 14 matches.
Dhoni’s fitness issues after a knee surgery and CSK coach Stephen Fleming’s admission that the keeper-batter is not fit enough to bat for an entire T20 innings heightened rumours of a possible retirement.
When asked the customary question on his future, the 43-year-old replied on expected lines without offering a definitive answer.
“It depends, you know. Again, I would say the same thing. I have 4-5 months to decide. There is no hurry to decide,” Dhoni said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
“Every year, it’s 15% more effort. To keep the body fit. Not to forget this is top level cricket. It’s professional cricket. You have to be at your best.”
“It’s not always performance that you can count. Because if cricketers start retiring because of performances, few of them will retire when they are 22. So what is important is to see how much hunger you have. What kind of fitness you have. And how much you can contribute to the team. Whether the team needs you or not.”
“So [I] have enough time and go back to Ranchi. I haven’t been home for a long time…enjoy a few bike rides… [take a] couple of months then decide,” he added.
In this edition under Dhoni, CSK won four matches and lost six times. The former India keeper scored 196 runs in 13 innings while batting lower down the order.
“I am not saying I am done. I am not saying I am coming back here at the same time. As I said, I have the luxury of timing. When you have the luxury, why not? Think about it and then you can decide,” he said.
Speculation over MS Dhoni’s future has increased after five-time champions CSK failed to qualify for the IPL 2025 play-offs. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
