As Mahendra Singh Dhoni approaches his 44th birthday this July, he’s faced with decisions regarding his cricketing career. However, whether IPL 2025 will be his last stint with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) remains undecided. Reflecting on his journey and current physical state, Dhoni shared, “I only play two months in a year and now after this IPL gets over, I have to work hard for another six to eight months just to see if my body will be able to take this kind of pressure and everything. So nothing for me to decide as of now, but I feel the love and affection wherever I’ve been.”
Dhoni’s participation has been somewhat limited due to knee issues, highlighted by CSK’s head coach Stephen Fleming, which affect his ability at the crease. But that didn’t stop him from making an impact in CSK’s thrilling win over Kolkata Knight Riders. Coming in to bat in the 13th over alongside Shivam Dube, Dhoni’s strategic role was pivotal, ensuring a victory with a decisive six off Andre Russell in the last over.
The platform for the chase was laid by Dewald Brevis and debutant Urvil Patel. Urvil stepped up confidently, replacing Shaik Rasheed and hitting four sixes in his brisk 31 off 11 balls. Brevis continued the momentum, delivering a rapid 22-ball fifty, showcasing his aggressive prowess with a sequence of boundaries against Vaibhav Arora.
Dhoni emphasized the significance of providing real-game opportunities for youngsters like Urvil. With CSK out of playoff contention, the focus has shifted to nurturing talent for the 2026 season. “The thing is these are the players who are part of us right now… so we have got an opportunity to test them,” Dhoni explained. He remarked on the invaluable insights gained from real match situations, suggesting that beyond technique, mental toughness and game awareness often differentiate successful players. “It’s not the most technically sound batsman who scores a lot of runs, but somebody who’s more game aware.”
Through its evolving squad, CSK is strategically planning for the future, with seasoned players like Dhoni playing a crucial role in mentoring the next generation.
