Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the former captain of India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has dropped a major hint that he may continue his Indian Premier League (IPL) journey into 2025 and beyond. At 43, Dhoni’s comments about staying fit and enjoying his “last few years of cricket” have put to rest ongoing rumors about his retirement. Dhoni, in a recent event, shared his thoughts on preparing to play for “the next few years,” which suggests he might be in CSK’s long-term plans even after the upcoming mega auction as reported by Times Of India.
Embracing the Joy of the Game
Speaking at a promotional event of Rigi, where he serves as a brand ambassador, Dhoni expressed his desire to rekindle his enjoyment of cricket despite the pressures that come with playing it as a professional. “Playing as a professional makes it difficult to treat it like a simple game,” Dhoni remarked. “Emotions and commitments come into play, but I want to just enjoy the game for the next few years.”
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Focused on Fitness for IPL
Dhoni, a five-time IPL-winning captain, also highlighted his focus on staying fit to meet the physical demands of the IPL. “I have to keep myself fit for nine months to be able to play the two and a half months of IPL,” Dhoni shared, adding that balancing disciplined fitness routines with relaxation is essential.
Uncapped Player Retention Possibility
Since Dhoni’s last appearance for Team India was over five years ago, he now qualifies as an uncapped player. This allows CSK to retain him for just Rs 4 crore, thanks to the revival of a rule that was previously phased out in 2021. Dhoni’s ongoing presence, even if not as captain, is set to keep CSK’s fans excited and motivated in the years to come.
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