IPL 2025: “Have to Keep Myself Fit For....” – MS Dhoni Hints About Playing Future Ahead of Retention Deadline

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has given the best possible hint of his playing future in the Indian Premier League (IPL) just a week before the retention deadline as franchises prepare to announce their retained players list.

Although they remain keen on their veteran wicketkeeper-batter playing, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have remained tight-lipped about their potential retentions ahead of the auction, with word from the camp being that they are waiting on Dhoni's decision.

CSK also have got the chance to retain Dhoni as an uncapped player, meaning only Rs 4 Crore could be deducted from their purse. But the Chennai-based franchise has always said the most successful captain of the team will be their first choice whether capped or uncapped.

However, they were still waiting on Dhoni's decision as the former India captain has been dealing with some knee issue in the recent seasons. A call on their full retention will be finalized based on Dhoni's availability.

There has always been huge speculation on Dhoni's future after each edition of IPL with the player himself keeping everybody wondering if he would retire before the next season. While he had earlier said he would play one more season in 2023, he has been non-commital about his future this year.

The CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan had earlier said Dhoni is yet to confirm if he wants to continue playing and added that the legendary wicketkeeper will inform the franchise about his availability before October 31, the deadline day for retention.

"We also want Dhoni to play in the CSK team. But Dhoni has not confirmed it to us yet. Dhoni said, 'I will tell you before October 31.' We hope that he will play," Viswanathan said at an event, as quoted by Sports Vikatan.

Now, the former skipper may have confirmed about his availiability for the next edition of IPL, which comes as a big positive for CSK just a week before the retention deadline and allows them to finalize their retention plans ahead of the mega auction.

"I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play," said Dhoni in a promotional event for software brand Rigi, for whom he's a brand ambassador, as quoted by Times of India.

"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."

Dhoni later made it even more clear that playing in IPL is in his plans as he revealed how he could make himself available for the next edition of the league despite playing no other cricket.

"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 added.

If the former skipper is available, then CSK's retentions will be Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni, Matheesha Pathirana and possibly Shivam Dube with room for a RTM at the auction next month.