Dhoni drops major hint on his availability for IPL 2025: 'Want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket...'

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has finally given a clear hint that he will continue to play for the franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Recently CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan had said that he is still waiting to hear from Dhoni, but the former Indian captain with his comments on Friday, made it clear that he is ready to keep playing.

“I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play,” Dhoni was quoted as saying by Times of India during a promotional event in Goa.

“When you play cricket like a professional sport, it becomes difficult to enjoy it just like a game. That’s what I want to do. It’s not easy. The emotions keep coming, the commitments are there. I want to enjoy the game for the next few years,” said Dhoni.

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The 43-year-old said that the focus for him in his free time is to keep himself fit for IPL.

“I have to keep myself fit for nine months, so that I can play two and a half months of IPL. You need to plan it out, but at the same time chill a bit,” Dhoni said.

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Many expected Dhoni to retire from IPl after he handed over CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad but fans had been hoping for one more comeback as CSK could not reach the playoffs last season.

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All the IPL teams are set to take part in the IPL 2025 mega auction in late November and will be needed to release their final retentions list by the end of October. Due to a recent rule change, CSK will be allowed to retain Dhoni as an uncapped player for just Rs 4 crore if the Ranchi cricketer decides to continue playing in the IPL.

Dhoni has won five IPLs with CSK, all as a captain, and would want to end his career by winning the title once more, now just as a player.