MS Dhoni to play in IPL 2025? CSK legend opens up on 'last few years' of cricket

Former Chennai Super Kings captain and India legend MS Dhoni opened up on his chances of playing in IPL 2025 and his undying passion for the sport. CSK have the option of retaining Dhoni for Rs 4 crore.

In Short

• MS Dhoni spoke about his passion for cricket
• Dhoni has been an asset for CSK since the 2008 IPL
• CSK can retain Dhoni for Rs 4 crore in IPL 2025

Former Indian captain MS Dhoni opened up on the prospect of returning to play for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Barring the 2016 and 2017 editions when the franchise was banned, Dhoni has donned the CSK colours for 15 seasons.

At the age of 43, Dhoni is at the twilight of his illustrious career, but his hunger and love to play the sport has not died down. Dhoni said that he still has “a few years of cricket” left in him. Having played 264 matches for the Super Kings, Dhoni is still looking to put in the hard yards.

“I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play,” Dhoni said during a promotional event for Rigi.

After retiring from international cricket in August 2020, Dhoni only plays competitive cricket in the IPL. As per the new retention rules, the Super Kings have the chance to retain Dhoni for Rs 4 crore.

‘I have to keep myself fit’

Dhoni spoke about the challenges that come with playing cricket at the professional level. He also revealed how he keeps himself fit to play in the IPL despite not playing any cricket throughout the year.

“In our childhood, we used to go out and to play at 4pm and enjoy the game. But when you play professional sport, it becomes difficult to enjoy cricket, just like a game. That’s what I want to do. It’s not easy. The emotions keep coming, the commitments are there. I want to enjoy the game for the next few years,” Dhoni said.

“I have to keep myself fit for nine months so that I can play two and a half months of IPL. I have kept it very simple. I will train for 15, 20, 25 days, then take off for 15-20 days, so it really helps me be in the groove,” Dhoni added.

Back in 2022, Dhoni stepped down as the captain of CSK, after which Ravindra Jadeja took over. But he took back captaincy midway after the Super Kings struggled in the first half. Last year, Dhoni passed the captaincy baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad, but the five-time champions fell short of a playoff berth.