Chennai: And when things were going away from the radar and on the verge of the ending, “Thala” Dhoni, in his famous style, took the situation in his hands and calmed the nerves of his fans. For MS Dhoni fans, the last few months were a bit chaotic as they were uncertain about their favourite player’s return to the cricket field.
But In a recent statement, former Indian captain and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) icon MS Dhoni hinted at his possible return for the 2025 Indian Premier League ( IPL ) season. Addressing speculations regarding his future in cricket, Dhoni, now 43, mentioned that he wants to enjoy “whatever last few years of cricket” he has left, sparking hopes among fans about another season in yellow.
Dhoni’s Future with CSK Amid Speculation
Ever since Dhoni handed over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad last season, fans have speculated about his long-term plans. His decision to bat lower in the order last season also fueled rumors about his role in the team. The franchise deadline to submit retained player lists for IPL 2025 is October 31, and with Dhoni having retired from international cricket over five years ago, he could be reclassified as an uncapped player this season.
At a recent event in Goa , Dhoni shared his intentions to relish the remaining moments in his career: “I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I’m able to play. Like how during our childhood we used to go out and play at 4[pm], just enjoying the game. But when you play professional sport it becomes difficult to enjoy the game just like a game. So what I want to do is, there are emotions and commitments, but I want to enjoy the game for the next few years.”
CSK’s CEO Kasi Viswanathan recently expressed optimism about Dhoni’s potential involvement in the upcoming season, strengthening fan hopes for another season under Dhoni’s influence.
Strategic Decision Behind Batting Lower in 2024 IPL Season
During the 2024 IPL season, Dhoni took a backseat on the batting order, a move primarily made to provide aspiring Indian players with more game-time, particularly with the T20 World Cup on the horizon. Dhoni explained, “My thinking was simple, if others are doing their job well why do I need to come up with an order.”
The decision also highlighted CSK’s approach to player development, as Dhoni added, “If you’re talking about last year (season) specifically, the T20 World Cup squad was going to be announced soon. So we have to give people who are fighting for a spot a chance. In our team (CSK) we had a few, (Ravindra) Jadeja was there, Shivam Dube was there so you give them an opportunity to prove themselves to get into the Indian team.”
Dhoni Praises New Aggressive Test Cricket Approach
Dhoni also shared his admiration for the shift in Test cricket towards a more aggressive, result-oriented style, commonly referred to as “Bazball.” Reflecting on the evolution of the sport, Dhoni noted, “You can give cricket any term that you want to, what we have seen is cricket has evolved. The way people are playing cricket is very different. There was a time when in ODIs something was considered a safe score, now that score is not safe in T20s too.”
While Dhoni himself played 90 Tests, he acknowledged the endurance challenges of traditional Test cricket, especially when a match headed for a draw. He explained, “For me, the most difficult time during a Test match was the fifth day of a match which is the last day when you knew that 100% it is going to be a draw. You see there is no result happening, you are just going through the motions.”
A Call for More Results in Test Matches
Dhoni emphasised the importance of having a result after five days of play, viewing it as crucial for the game’s appeal. He commented, “Imagine telling someone who doesn’t know much cricket we play over five days and we start at 9.30 and 4.30 is the scheduled end of play, we play till 5[pm] sometimes, and after five days we don’t get a result. That’s not nice for the game.”
Dhoni’s outlook reflects the modern fan’s desire for competitive cricket with more definitive outcomes, bringing new energy and excitement to the traditional format. As CSK and their fans await final announcements, Dhoni’s future in IPL and his enduring legacy in Indian cricket continue to captivate the sport’s global audience.
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