Knee permitting, Dhoni could well play beyond 2025 season for CSK

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MS Dhoni could continue playing in the IPL for a few more years, with 2025 not necessarily marking his final season, according to a former teammate. Speaking to CricBlogger, the source, a current Indian cricketer, stated, “He would be around beyond the 2025 season for sure. The only hiccup is his knees, but he isn’t going anywhere right now.” Despite concerns about his knee, Dhoni’s leadership, experience, and impact on the field continue to make him a key asset for Chennai Super Kings.

As of now, there seems to be no immediate plans for his retirement, and fans can expect to see the iconic wicketkeeper-batter playing beyond the 2025 IPL season.

When asked why Dhoni hasn’t retired yet, especially when many of his contemporaries have already hung up their boots, the cricketer explained that public sentiment plays a significant role in keeping Dhoni in the game. “The whole of India wants him to play the sport,” the player, who wished to remain unnamed, said. “If his body is responding well, he will continue to play because of the public demand.”

Dhoni’s popularity and the immense love he receives from fans across the country have certainly influenced his decision to keep playing, provided his physical condition allows him to continue. His leadership and presence on the field remain invaluable, and the widespread demand for him to stay is a big factor in his prolonged IPL career.

Dhoni’s passion for the game is certainly a key factor in his continued presence in the IPL, but at this stage of his career, his role has evolved. According to a former selector who worked closely with him, Dhoni is now primarily effective during the slog overs and doesn’t push himself up the batting order.

A selector pointed out that during his 10 years as captain in white-ball cricket, Dhoni never volunteered to bat higher in the order. He deliberately chose to stay in the lower-middle order, believing it was crucial to bring stability to the batting lineup, especially during pressure situations. This role suited his temperament, allowing him to finish games and guide his team through tricky phases.

Even now, Dhoni’s ability to perform under pressure, especially in the final overs, remains invaluable to his team. Among the players retained by Chennai Super Kings, Dhoni holds one of the lowest-ranked retention slots, categorised as an uncapped player, having retired from international cricket five years ago.

However, his impact as a wicketkeeper-batter is so significant that even CSK cannot imagine building a team without him in the playing XI. Dhoni’s ability to influence the game, especially during crucial moments, make him indispensable to the franchise.

The bond between Dhoni and CSK is so strong that the “Dhoni fever” remains alive and well within the camp, with his presence continuing to inspire both the team and the fans. His legacy and influence extend far beyond his playing days, and his role within the team goes beyond just cricketing skills — it’s about the leadership, stability, and emotional connection he provides to the franchise.

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