MS Dhoni answers retirement question after Chennai Super Kings beat Gujarat Titans in last game of season

MS Dhoni believes he has 4-5 months to decide whether to retire from IPL or not. (Photo: JioHotstar and IPL)

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) endured a disappointing IPL 2025 season. Their regular skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad, was sidelined due to injury, while several veteran players re-signed at the auction failed to deliver. The new additions from the auction also couldn't make a significant impact. As a result, CSK finished 10th in the points table—marking the first time in their storied history that they ended at the bottom, a reflection of just how poorly things went for the five-time champions.

However, the team managed to end their disastrous campaign on a high note, pulling off a sensational win over Gujarat Titans—a side that had been in top form this season.

Amid the chaos, one major question lingered in the minds of fans and cricket pundits alike: Was this MS Dhoni’s final IPL season? The 43-year-old was asked about his future during the post-match press conference, and he responded, "It depends. I have four to five months to decide, there’s no hurry. Need to keep the body fit. You have to be at your best. If cricketers start retiring for their performance, some of them will retire at 22,” Dhoni said when asked about his future in the post-match press conference.

“Will go back to Ranchi, enjoy a few bike rides. I am not saying I am done, not saying I am coming back either. I have the luxury of timing. Will think about it and then decide,” he added.

Earlier, former India coach Ravi Shastri wasted no time in asking how Dhoni’s body was holding up — not just in Ahmedabad’s sweltering heat, but also after enduring the demands of 18 long IPL seasons.

"Well it's surviving. Every year is a new challenge, especially when you reach the last stage of your career, you have to respect the body, and it also needs a lot of maintenance. Thanks to the support staff; they've been doing their bit on and off. But it's responded well. I can only thank god that when I was playing international cricket and playing for the country, it didn't trouble me enough," said Dhoni at the toss.