In just a couple of months, Mahendra Singh Dhoni will turn 44. Yet, the Chennai Super Kings legend is still keeping the door open for a return in the next IPL season.
“Let’s not forget, I’m 43…,” Dhoni remarked with a smile during a casual exchange. Host Deep Dasgupta burst into laughter, quickly adding, “I didn’t bring this up…!” The topic of Dhoni’s retirement is so sensitive that most people approach it cautiously. But this time, the CSK icon addressed it himself—he hasn’t made any decision about retirement yet.
Speaking after CSK’s nail-biting two-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday, Dhoni shared his thoughts. It was only Chennai’s third win in 12 matches, in a season where they’ve struggled from the start.
As he’s done so many times before, Dhoni was once again at the crease at the end. However, his ultra-cautious batting made things a little tricky. A match that could’ve ended earlier dragged into the final over, with CSK needing 8 runs off the last 6 balls and only two wickets in hand.
Dhoni was on 10 off 15 balls, without a single boundary. KKR’s Andre Russell attempted a yorker but ended up bowling a low full toss. Dhoni’s inner finisher woke up—he lashed the ball into the stands.
Despite an easy single on the next ball, Dhoni refused to take it. On the third delivery, he looked for a double but could only manage one. That brought No.10 batter Anshul Kamboj on strike. The tension built, but Kamboj lofted the fourth ball over mid-on for four, sealing a thrilling victory.
Though the match was played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the stadium was awash in yellow jerseys and flags. No prizes for guessing why.
CSK fans travel well, and Dhoni gets overwhelming support in almost every stadium. During the toss with Ravi Shastri, the crowd erupted as Dhoni walked up. Shastri even pointed it out, saying, “This isn’t Chennai, it’s Kolkata… and yet it feels like your home ground!”
Dhoni smiled and shared his deep bond with the city and venue.
“I played a lot of cricket here while growing up. Under-16, Under-19, club cricket, zonal games—I’ve played so much cricket in this city, it feels like home.”
“Be it age-group cricket, zonals, Ranji Trophy, or even office league matches—Eden Gardens and its surroundings have been witness to so many of my games.”
The crowd’s affection was on full display throughout the match. After the game, during the presentation, host Deep Dasgupta asked about the massive fan following. Dhoni responded by touching upon the emotional topic again.
“I’ve always felt this love and affection. Let’s not forget, I’m 43… been playing for a long time (laughs). I think the fans don’t know which season might be my last. So they come to support me and watch me play.”
Dasgupta laughed, “I didn’t bring up the retirement talk… you did!”
Dhoni then made it clear—he’s yet to make up his mind.
“It’s true, Deep. I only play for two months a year. After the IPL, I’ll need to work really hard for six to eight months again—just to see if my body can still handle this level of pressure and everything that comes with it.”
“As of now, there’s nothing concrete. But wherever I go, I feel the warmth, the affection—it’s wonderful.”
By the time he says all this, Dhoni is just two months away from turning 44. CSK, for their part, have never wanted to let him go. In fact, they even lobbied IPL authorities to bring back an old rule just to retain Dhoni as an “uncapped” player. With regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad sidelined due to injury, Dhoni has led the side again for the past seven matches.
