Amid Uncertainty Over IPL 2025, Dhoni Aims to Make the Most of His Remaining Time
MS Dhoni recently shared that he wants to make the most of “whatever last few years of cricket” he has left. There’s still no clear answer regarding his participation in IPL 2025, but Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan remains hopeful that Dhoni will be part of the upcoming season.
Speaking at an event in Goa, Dhoni said, “I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I’m able to play, like when we were kids, and played just for fun. When you’re a professional, it’s not always easy to enjoy the game in the same way. I just want to make sure I enjoy the game for the next few years.”
Will Dhoni Stay with CSK for IPL 2025?
October 31 is the deadline for all ten IPL franchises to submit their list of retained players. This year, Dhoni can be retained by CSK as an uncapped player, thanks to a rule change that allows players who retired from international cricket five years ago to be considered uncapped.
During IPL 2024, Dhoni mostly batted lower in the order, facing only a few deliveries. His limited appearances were partly due to his recovery from knee surgery. He also wanted to give younger players, who were aiming for a spot in the T20 World Cup, more time on the field. Dhoni explained, “If the other players are doing well, why should I come up the order? My aim was to give players like [Ravindra] Jadeja and Shivam Dube more chances to prove themselves and possibly secure a spot in the national team.”
Dhoni Loves How Test Cricket Has Evolved
Dhoni shared his thoughts on the modern style of Test cricket, often referred to as “Bazball,” which is known for its aggressive, result-oriented approach. He said he “loves” how the game has changed to produce more outcomes instead of draws.
“Cricket has evolved so much over the years,” Dhoni said. “What was considered a safe score in ODIs isn’t even safe in T20s now. It’s all about how teams choose to play—some go for an aggressive style, while others stick to the basics. It depends on the team’s strengths, and change doesn’t happen overnight. Players who have been around for 10-15 years need time to adjust to new styles.”
The Challenges of Test Cricket’s Fifth Day
Reflecting on his Test career, Dhoni mentioned that the most difficult moments were on the fifth day when a draw seemed inevitable. “It was tiring to keep wicket for nearly three sessions knowing there would be no result. You’re just going through the motions, and it can get exhausting,” he said. “But I’m happy that Test cricket now sees more results. Even if one day is washed out, you still often get a result, and that’s what makes Test cricket beautiful.
