MS Dhoni Reflects on His IPL Future with Chennai Super Kings

Former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni has opened up about the possibility of returning to play for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Having been a pivotal figure for CSK over 15 seasons, barring the years when the franchise was banned in 2016 and 2017, Dhoni’s legacy with the team is well-established.

At 43, Dhoni finds himself at the twilight of an illustrious career, yet his passion for the game remains unwavering. He expressed confidence in his physical capabilities, stating that he still has “a few years of cricket” left in him. After amassing 264 matches for CSK, he is determined to continue putting in the effort required to succeed.

“I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play,” Dhoni remarked during a promotional event for Rigi. His commitment to the sport is evident, as he still trains rigorously to maintain his fitness levels, despite having retired from international cricket in August 2020.

Dhoni shared insights into the challenges of playing professional cricket, particularly as one ages. He noted the shift from the carefree days of childhood cricket to the pressures of a professional athlete. “In our childhood, we used to go out and play at 4 pm and enjoy the game. But when you play professional sport, it becomes difficult to enjoy cricket, just like a game,” he said. This desire to find joy in the sport is a significant motivator for him as he approaches the latter stages of his career.

Maintaining fitness is crucial for Dhoni, especially since he dedicates himself to being in shape for the IPL season. “I have to keep myself fit for nine months so that I can play two and a half months of IPL,” he explained. He has adopted a training regimen that balances periods of intense training with necessary rest. “I will train for 15, 20, 25 days, then take off for 15-20 days, so it really helps me be in the groove,” he added.

Dhoni’s leadership has been instrumental in CSK’s success over the years. In 2022, he stepped down as captain, handing the reins to Ravindra Jadeja. However, after the team faced difficulties in the early part of the season, Dhoni reclaimed the captaincy to steer CSK back on track. Last year, he passed the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad, but the five-time champions fell short of qualifying for the playoffs.

As the IPL retention rules allow CSK to potentially retain Dhoni for Rs 4 crore, fans and analysts are eager to see if he will continue to grace the field in the yellow jersey. Dhoni’s legacy in the IPL and Indian cricket remains unparalleled, and his decisions in the coming months will undoubtedly be closely watched.

As Dhoni contemplates his future in the IPL, his enduring love for the game is evident. His desire to enjoy the final years of his cricketing journey speaks volumes about his character and passion. While he continues to train and prepare for the challenges ahead, fans remain hopeful that the iconic wicketkeeper-batsman will return to the field and continue to inspire future generations.