Things are over for Chennai Super Kings, as they are now officially out of the playoff contention. All eyes are now on MS Dhoni and what lies ahead for him in terms of playing in the IPL.
After losing their game to Punjab Kings, CSK's campaign came to an end, with just 2 wins and 8 losses in their 10 matches till now. But what’s currently gaining attention is MS Dhoni’s warm moment with the CSK owners, especially Kasi Viswanathan, who shared a laugh with Dhoni amid growing speculation about MS IPL future following CSK’s elimination from IPL 2025.
Despite the farewell buzz, Dhoni gave a cryptic response when asked about next season, saying:
"I don't know. I am coming for the next game."
CSK’s poor performance this season, including their early exit, has intensified retirement rumours. Former players like Shaun Pollock and Adam Gilchrist have suggested that it might be time for Dhoni to step away from the IPL. While they acknowledged his immense legacy, they also stressed that CSK must start building a new squad without him.
Dhoni himself has hinted at focusing on rebuilding the team, but has not officially announced his retirement.
"The big one, MS Dhoni. He has nothing more to prove to anyone in the game. He has achieved everything that there is. MS… well, he'll know what he wants to do, but I'm saying, for the future – it's going to cost me this, I know – but he perhaps doesn't need to be there next year. I love you, MS. You are a champion, an icon," Gilchrist said on Cricbuzz.
"I mean, he has got nothing more to achieve, has he? He has won as much as anyone else. It's going to be down to what he wants. Because of his legacy and because of the impact he has had on that franchise, they have kind of given him free reign as to be the one who makes the call," Pollock said in a video for Cricbuzz.