A rare moment was witnessed during the IPL 2025 match between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals at Chepauk Stadium. MS Dhoni’s parents were present in the stands—something fans had hardly ever seen before. This may well have been the first time the former Indian captain’s parents came to the stadium to watch an IPL match.
However, this emotional moment sparked retirement rumours on social media. Netizens speculated that this could be Dhoni’s final match, which is why his parents and the entire family were present at the venue. Despite the buzz, Dhoni didn’t offer a clear picture of his cricketing future after this game.
MS Dhoni on his IPL Future
The 43-year-old wicketkeeper-batter’s performance in the game didn’t sit well with fans and experts. He remained unbeaten on 30 runs off 26 balls in a high-pressure chase, where the required run rate was over 15. Following this knock, social media was abuzz with criticism about whether Dhoni should continue playing in the IPL. Several users even called for his retirement.
Yet, Dhoni has not publicly revealed his thoughts on his IPL future—until now. Meanwhile, in a podcast uploaded today on YouTube, the five-time IPL-winning captain dropped a hint about what lies ahead. Dhoni appeared in a conversation with podcaster Raj Shamani, where he opened up about his playing plans.
During the podcast, Dhoni said: “I am still playing the IPL and one year at a time. I am 43, by the end of this IPL season, I will be 44 in July. So I have 10 months to decide whether I want to play one more year and it’s not me deciding; it’s my body, whether you can play or not.”
MS Dhoni said – "I am still playing the IPL and one year at a time. I am 43, by the end of this IPL season, I will be 44 in July. So I have 10 months to decide whether I want to play one more year and it's not me deciding, it's my body, whether you can play or not".(Raj Shamani). pic.twitter.com/OhTt1IGpCo
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) April 6, 2025
So, if Dhoni remains fit, there’s a strong chance he might play the 2026 IPL season as well. Chennai Super Kings have never had any issues with Dhoni’s presence in the squad. In fact, his retirement would be a major setback for the franchise.
He has become the face of CSK and most fans support the team because of him. He is directly linked to the franchise’s brand value, and his departure could hurt both CSK’s branding and its massive fan following.
Retirement won’t be an easy decision for Dhoni. It’s tied to multiple factors—his fitness, emotions, and the franchise’s legacy. Sooner or later, he’ll have to make the call, but only when the moment truly feels right.