While the sea of yellow which fills the stadium in every Chennai Super Kings game be it home or away love to watch more of MS Dhoni on the field, they are also aware that the retirement is not far away. The legend is already 43 and, despite showing some good hitting skills, has his limitations. (Highlights | Full Coverage | Points Table | More Cricket News)
So, the big question looms. How long will it continue? Will Dhoni play the IPL next year too or is it that last chapter of his tremendous cricketing career? Nobody knows. Not even the legend himself.
"Not to forget I am 43. I have played a long time. A lot of them don't know when it is going to be my last year, so they want to come and support me and watch me play," Dhoni said after Chennai Super Kings' two-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders.
Dhoni added that he will only be able to tell about the future after assessment of his fitness. "I only play two months in a year. When this IPL gets over, then I have to work for the next 6-8 months to see if my body is able to take this kind of pressure. Nothing to decide as of now, but the love and affection I get everywhere is excellent," he said.
"There is no escaping the fact (that I am in the last phase of my career). After this IPL gets over, I have to work hard for another 6-8 months to see if my body can take this pressure. Nothing to decide now but the love and affection I have seen is excellent," the swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter said.
While the legend has been showered with love wherever he has gone, there has also been criticism of his batting position which was too low early in the season. CSK coach Stephen Fleming had said that Dhoni's fitness does not allow him to bat for long periods.
The win against KKR was only CSK's third this season and they continue to languish at the bottom of the standings, level on points with Rajasthan Royals but with a worse Net Run Rate.
CSK next play RR on May 12 and then the table-toppers Gujarat Titans to finish their IPL 2025 campaign on May 18.
Meanwhile, despite India-Pakistan tensions, the world's premier T20 cricket will continue even though the Dharamsala fixture between designated hosts Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians on May 11 (Sunday) will likely be moved out. Tonight's north Indian derby between the Kings and Delhi Capitals at the same venue has already been given the go ahead by the BCCI.
