'I＊m not saying I＊m done': MS Dhoni teases comeback as ex-India stars clash in heated showdown over CSK legend's IPL 2026 fate
MS Dhoni retirement: MS Dhoni sparked fresh debate over his retirement with a vague statement after CSK＊s last match of IPL 2025. A fiery on-air clash between Suresh Raina and Aakash Chopra followed, with Murali Kartik urging Dhoni to consider stepping away.
MS Dhoni retirement: The Chennai Super Kings＊ 2025 IPL campaign is officially over, and with it, the familiar question resurfaces: Will Mahendra Singh Dhoni retire? CSK wrapped up their season with a thumping win over the Gujarat Titans, but the victory did little to cover up what was a disastrous year for the five-time champions. For the first time in their history, CSK finished last on the points table with just four wins out of 14.
While fans celebrated the win, all eyes were once again on MS Dhoni＊s next move. The 43-year-old former captain, who stepped in after Ruturaj Gaikwad＊s injury mid-season, remained as enigmatic as ever. Instead of clarity, he offered cryptic comments that have once again left fans guessing. With age, fitness concerns, and form all coming into the spotlight, the future of one of IPL＊s most iconic figures hangs in the balance, as experts continue to debate his retirement plans.
MS Dhoni breaks his silence on retirement: 'I have four to five months to decide'
Speaking after CSK＊s final match of the season, Dhoni opened up, albeit carefully, about his plans. His words offered no clear direction but hinted at a long contemplation period ahead.
※I have four to five months to decide; there＊s no hurry,§ he said at the post-match presentation. ※I need to keep the body fit. You have to be at your best. If players start retiring based on one poor season, some would have to quit at 22.§
Dhoni reflected on the season＊s struggles and admitted, ※It wasn＊t a good season. We didn＊t catch well, but today we put in one of those perfect performances.§ He also touched on the early games in Chennai, sharing, ※We chose to chase, but I felt the pitch was better for batting first. That worried me for our batting lineup.§
As for what＊s next, the CSK legend said, ※I＊ll go back to Ranchi and enjoy a few bike rides." ※Not saying I＊m done. Not saying I＊m coming back either. I have the luxury of time. I＊ll think about it and decide later.§
Will the MS Dhoni story continue in #TATAIPL?
〞 IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 25, 2025
? Hear from the #CSK legend himself as he signs off from the 2025 season ? ?#GTvCSK | @ChennaiIPL | @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/uigzZJlSvk
Suresh Raina and Aakash Chopra lock horns in heated post-match debate
While Dhoni played it cool, the debate in the commentary box heated up. Former teammates Suresh Raina and Aakash Chopra found themselves in a fiery exchange over whether Dhoni still belongs in the playing XI.
Chopra didn＊t mince words, asking, ※If MS Dhoni wasn＊t an uncapped Indian, would he even be in the CSK squad this season?§
Raina, ever the Dhoni loyalist and a former CSK player, hit back at him. ※Of course! He＊s been with CSK for 18 years and still hits the most sixes in practice.§
Chopra countered, ※Then why bat at No. 7, 8, or 9 when your top order is failing? Is he even fit?§
Raina defended fiercely, saying, ※He feels most effective in the final overs. He＊s still keeping wickets at 44. He＊s giving guys like Shivam Dube a platform.§
RP Singh, caught in the middle, sided with Raina: ※Post knee surgery, every player needs time. He＊s managing himself the way experienced players do.§
16 runs in 6 balls! Will #AakashChopra & #SanjayBangar back #MSDhoni as the ultimate finisher? ?
〞 Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 25, 2025
Our experts debate: is it ???? ?? or ???? ???? ???, as Thala leads CSK #OneLastTime! ?
Join them for a fiery debate TODAY at 2:30 PM!#Race2Top2 ? GTvCSK | SUN,＃ pic.twitter.com/9XPzzrtZgq
Murali Kartik urges Dhoni to walk away before it's too late
While Thala fans would want him to return next season, not everyone is convinced he should continue. Former India cricketer Murali Kartik made a heartfelt yet firm appeal, suggesting that Dhoni must consider stepping away before sentiment turns into regret.
※As much as we all love Dhoni, there comes a day when it＊s time,§ Kartik said on Cricbuzz. ※We didn＊t want Federer to quit, or Sachin, or even Kohli. But they all eventually walked away.§
Kartik cautioned against letting things drag, stating ※You don＊t want to get to the point where even your biggest fans start feeling like you＊ve overstayed your welcome.§
While acknowledging that Dhoni＊s mindset is a mystery, he added, ※With Kohli, we knew〞he said he was done. With MS, we just don＊t know. He＊s always been that guy who keeps everything close to the chest. But eventually, the game moves on.§
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