"I Am Not Saying I’m Done": MS Dhoni On His IPL Future

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni said that he will take a few months to decide whether he is going to return for IPL 2026. The skipper also remarked that if performance were the sole criterion for retirement, some cricketers would have to retire as early as 22. At the same time, five-time IPL champions CSK finished bottom of the league for the first time in 16 seasons.

"It’s not always performance that you can count on. If players retired based on performances, few of them will retire by 22," Dhoni said on Sunday. "So it’s important to see how much hunger you have, what kind of fitness you have and how much you can contribute to the team, whether the team needs you or not," the skipper added. Notably, Dhoni assumed CSK captaincy mid-season when CSK's regular captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, was sidelined due to an elbow injury.

"I have enough time. I’ll go back to Ranchi. I haven’t been home for a long time. I’ll enjoy a few bike rides and decide after a few months. I am not saying I’m done. I am not saying I am coming back at the same time. I have the luxury of timing. If you have the timing, then why not think about it and decide," Dhoni said when asked whether he would play next season after their final league game of IPL 2025.