'Even if I'm in a wheelchair, CSK will drag me' - MS Dhoni shuts down IPL retirement rumours

Former Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni was seen in a sublime touch during the recent practice sessions of the popular franchise. It seems that he never left playing at all despite not featuring in any form of franchise cricket. Notably, after bidding adieu to international cricket in August 2020, Dhoni's retirement from the IPL has remained a question mark every season.

Many wonder if every cumulative year could be Dhoni's last season as a player. However, the star player hasn't let his fans down with his retirement announcement. Now putting an end to the rumours claiming he will retire from the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) after the current season. Ahead of CSK's match against MI, the legendary player confirmed that he would play in the league as long as he wished. Dhoni funnily claimed even if he is in a wheelchair, CSK's management would drag him to play.

"I can play for as long as I want for CSK. That's my franchise. Even if I'm in a wheelchair, they'll drag me," Dhoni said during a recent interaction with the broadcasters on JioHotstar.

Speculations started a few weeks ago when Dhoni appeared at the practice session ahead of the IPL 2025 with a T-shirt with a cryptic message. Fans deduced the caption to be in Morse code and claimed it referred to 'One Last Time'. It led to fans worrying about the future of CSK and Dhoni in the IPL. As always, Dhoni was asked if 2025 would be his last season in the biggest cricket league.

Also Check: 5 game-changing decisions by MS Dhoni that transformed CSK

Dhoni and his retirement talks

MS Dhoni wasted no time and assured the fans and the broadcasters of not retiring from the league anytime soon. The 43-year-old claimed even if he wanted to retire, the fans and the management would force him to play. In the second half of the IPL 2023, Dhoni played with an injured knee.

Despite not being completely fit, MS played the IPL 2024. Even after winning the title in 2023, Dhoni did not retire and continued playing in 2024 and 2025. CSK will take on MI in their first match of the IPL 2025 on March 23 in Chennai.

“As I said, last few years, whether it’s one, two, five or ten years, I don’t know. My franchise will be like you play till you want to play. Even if I’m on the chair, they will be like don’t worry, you play. That’s how they have been. So, I want to enjoy cricket, as I said last few years. So, one year at a time, then eight months to decide whether or not you want to play next year,” Dhoni said in an interview with JioStar.