- MS Dhoni: MS Dhoni was seen playing as a player for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024. Now Dhoni should retire before IPL 2025 for these 5 reasons.
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IPL 2025 MS Dhoni:
MS Dhoni has won five IPL trophies for Chennai Super Kings under his captaincy. Dhoni did not captain Chennai in the last IPL of 2024. In place of Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad was seen leading Chennai in IPL 2024. After the last IPL, discussions about Dhoni’s retirement had also intensified. Meanwhile, we will tell you 5 reasons due to which Mahi should retire before IPL 2025.
1- Increasing age
MS Dhoni has turned 43. Mahi’s increasing age is taking him towards retirement. Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020. Since then, there are strong reports about his IPL retirement. Now it will be interesting to see whether Dhoni retires before IPL 2025 or not, given his increasing age.
2- Chennai needs to build a future team
Chennai now needs to build a future team, for which MS Dhoni’s retirement seems necessary. Dhoni’s retirement will open the way for young players in Chennai. The future will be strengthened by the arrival of young players in the team.
3- Lack of consistency with the bat
There has been no special consistency from Dhoni’s bat for the last 2 seasons. He comes to bat at a very low order. In IPL 2024, Mahi scored 161 runs in 14 matches. Earlier in IPL 2023, Mahi had scored only 104 runs.
4- Young wicketkeeper will get a chance
With Dhoni’s retirement, the young wicketkeeper batsman will get a chance in Chennai Super Kings. The arrival of the young player will strengthen the team. Dhoni comes to bat in the lower order in the team, due to which the team does not get much benefit.
5- Dhoni is battling an injury
MS Dhoni has been seen struggling with injuries for the last two seasons. Dhoni suffered a knee injury during the 2023 IPL. Apart from this, Dhoni was troubled by injury in the 2024 IPL, due to which he was forced to bat in the lower order.
MS Dhoni, the legendary captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and one of the most celebrated cricketers in the world, has been the face of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for over a decade. Known for his sharp cricketing mind, leadership skills, and ability to finish games under pressure, Dhoni has been an integral part of the IPL’s success. However, as the 2025 season approaches, there are growing discussions about whether it’s time for the iconic skipper to step away from the game. Here are five key reasons why MS Dhoni should consider retiring before IPL 2025.
1. Age and Fitness Concerns
At 43, Dhoni’s age is becoming an inevitable factor that cannot be ignored. While he has maintained a high level of fitness throughout his career, time catches up with everyone. Cricket, especially the fast-paced nature of the IPL, demands peak physical condition, and the toll on Dhoni’s body has been visible in recent seasons. His running between the wickets, once one of the sharpest in the game, has slowed down. Additionally, wicketkeeping requires quick reflexes and agility, which become harder to maintain with age.
Dhoni’s knee issues, evident in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, have led to him taking calculated risks with his batting and fielding positions. Continuing beyond IPL 2025 could exacerbate these fitness concerns, and retirement would allow Dhoni to exit the game before any significant decline in his performance.
2. Legacy Preservation
Few athletes in the world have left behind the kind of legacy that Dhoni has. Under his leadership, CSK has won five IPL titles, and his calm, composed captaincy has become legendary. Retiring before IPL 2025 would allow Dhoni to preserve this legacy and leave the game on a high note.
Staying on longer than necessary risks tarnishing his near-perfect IPL record, as fans and critics may begin to focus more on his limitations than his contributions. By retiring before 2025, Dhoni ensures that his legacy remains untarnished, and he exits the IPL as a true icon of the game.
3. Chennai Super Kings’ Future Planning
While MS Dhoni’s presence in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lineup is irreplaceable, the franchise needs to begin planning for the future. CSK has always been a team known for sticking with its core group of players, but as Dhoni approaches the twilight of his career, it is crucial for the team to transition to a new leader.
The next generation of CSK players needs time to grow into leadership roles, and Dhoni’s continued presence may delay that process. His retirement before IPL 2025 would allow CSK to invest in and groom young talents like Ruturaj Gaikwad or possibly bring in an experienced player like Sanju Samson to take on the captaincy role. This transition will ensure that CSK remains competitive in the post-Dhoni era.
4. Focus on Mentorship
One of the biggest reasons Dhoni should consider retiring is to focus on a new chapter in his cricketing journey—mentorship. His tactical acumen and leadership skills are unparalleled, and he could continue to serve CSK and Indian cricket as a mentor or coach. Dhoni has already been mentoring younger players, and his influence on the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube has been evident.
By stepping away from active competition, Dhoni can devote more time to nurturing the next generation of cricketers. He has the potential to be as impactful off the field as he was on it, guiding young talent in CSK or even taking up a broader role in Indian cricket.
5. End on a High Note
Dhoni’s retirement before IPL 2025 would allow him to end his playing career on his terms, much like how he retired from international cricket in 2020. CSK’s victory in IPL 2023 was a perfect swansong for Dhoni’s illustrious IPL journey. Even in the 2024 season, despite not winning the title, Dhoni showcased his ability to lead and inspire.
By retiring now, Dhoni can ensure that his final moments on the field are remembered for the right reasons—leading CSK to glory and captivating fans with his iconic finishes. He can leave the game with his head held high, knowing that he gave everything he had to the sport, avoiding the risk of an inevitable decline in form or fitness that could come with pushing his career too far.
Conclusion: A Graceful Exit for the Captain Cool
MS Dhoni’s contribution to the IPL and Indian cricket is unmatched. However, every great player must eventually step away from the field, and for Dhoni, that time may be before IPL 2025. His age, fitness, and the need for CSK to plan for the future are all compelling reasons for him to consider retirement. Moreover, Dhoni’s desire to preserve his legacy and his potential as a mentor make a strong case for him to transition into a new role.
By retiring before the 2025 season, Dhoni can leave behind a lasting legacy as one of the greatest cricketers and captains the world has ever seen, ensuring that his final moments in the IPL are as iconic as the rest of his career.