Thala MS Dhoni Clears the Air on IPL Future, Promises More Seasons with CSK

Last month, MS Dhoni turned forty-four. Five years have passed since he ended his international career. Nonetheless, the renowned batsman-wicketkeeper still plays for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, a team that won all five of its titles when the maverick cricketer was captain.

Since the IPL's inaugural season in 2008, Dhoni has played a pivotal role in leading the five-time champions to multiple winning seasons. He took over as captain once more in the 2025 campaign after an elbow ailment sidelined Ruturaj Gaikwad. However, the season proved to be challenging for the team, as CSK only managed four victories from 14 games, ending last in the points standings for the first time.

Thala MS Dhoni and CSK to Last Longer:

MS Dhoni 🤝 CSK 💛#IPL2026#IPL#MSDhoni#CSKpic.twitter.com/Jy6mPIqjYv

— Circle of Cricket (@circleofcricket) August 7, 2025

Aside from CSK's subpar play, one of the most talked-about subjects during the season was Dhoni's upcoming retirement. Although he says he won't be playing for long, the former captain of India has left the door open for him to participate next year. Hindustan Times cited Dhoni's statement from a private event in Chennai, "Me and CSK, we are together. You know, even for the next 15-20 years (crowd cheers). I hope they don't think I'll be playing for another 15-20 years! But yeah."

After the IPL 2024 season, there have been rumors that the 44-year-old may retire from the sport. MS Dhoni, however, recovered well from his knee injury and carried on playing. Additionally, he has stated that Gaikwad will come back and take up his position as the team's captain. 

Dhoni added, "It's not about one year or two years. I will always be sitting in a yellow jersey. You know whether I’ll be playing or not in a while, but yeah, you know yourself."

The Yellow Brigade had an extremely busy season. After Ruturaj Gaikwad suffered an elbow fracture halfway through the season, Dhoni assumed captaincy for the rest of the team's play.

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