IPL 2025: Is This the End? MS Dhoni’s IPL Journey Nears a Gentle Goodbye

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are playing their final match of the IPL 2025 season against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. As always, there’s a lot of talk about whether this will be MS Dhoni’s last game. Fans are once again wondering if the legendary captain will finally say goodbye to the game.

The 43-year-old former captain, who will soon turn 44, has been expected to retire from the IPL for the past few years. But he has kept surprising everyone by continuing to play, proving that age is just a number. The BCCI even let him be part of the team as an 'uncapped player', which helped Chennai Super Kings manage their budget, paying him a modest ₹4 crore.

Dhoni Hints at Retirement, Says His Body Is 'Surviving'

Last year, Dhoni had said he wanted to retire at Chepauk. But due to a break in the season caused by security issues, the schedule was changed, and Chennai didn’t get to host any matches. Before the game against the Gujarat Titans, no one asked Dhoni about his plans for the future. However, he did say that his body was still "surviving."

“It’s surviving. Every year, it’s a new challenge, especially when you are at the last stage of your career. You need maintenance. It didn’t trouble me when I was playing international cricket. But thanks to the support staff as well," said Dhoni.

Rumors have been going around all year, but just before the season began, Dhoni said something interesting; he mentioned that he’s been playing these as the “last few years” of his career.

“It’s a very good feeling (fans’ cheering in Chepauk), and I always said it’s a big thank you from the fans’ side. That’s what I believe. Whatever last few years I will be playing, it’s their way of saying thank you very much for whatever you have done. It’s amazing, especially when you play a sport, the appreciation from fans is what you want. And when it comes to cricket, India is the place to play," Dhoni said on Star Sports.

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