Dhoni commits to playing IPL for CSK 'even in a wheelchair,' addresses retirement speculation: 'They will keep me going'

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Is IPL 2025 set to be MS Dhoni's last season? The Indian cricket icon certainly hinted at this possibility when he arrived in Chennai a month ago, wearing a T-shirt featuring the phrase "One Last Time" in Morse code. This sparked considerable excitement on social media among fans. However, the 43-year-old addressed the retirement rumors prior to the Chennai Super Kings' season opener against the Mumbai Indians on Sunday, stating that neither he nor the franchise is prepared to part ways just yet.

In an interview with Jio Hotstar before the highly anticipated match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Dhoni expressed that he could continue playing for Chennai for as long as he desires, even joking that if he were to be in a wheelchair, the team would still persuade him to participate in another season.

"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," he remarked.

Dhoni faced a knee injury during the 2023 IPL season, which led to surgery at the conclusion of the season. He spent the remainder of the year recuperating before returning for the 17th edition of the IPL, where he stepped down from his captaincy and batting position. Opting to bat at No. 8 or lower in the order, Dhoni scored 161 runs off 73 balls throughout the season, achieving a strike rate of 220.

Dhoni on cusp of making history

In Chennai's inaugural match of the season, Dhoni has the opportunity to secure his place in IPL history. The 43-year-old is just 19 runs away from becoming the franchise's all-time leading run-scorer in the IPL, a title currently held by former star Suresh Raina, who has amassed 4,687 runs.

At the same time, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is on the verge of becoming CSK's top wicket-taker in IPL history, needing only eight more wickets to achieve this milestone. His current total is surpassed only by Dwayne Bravo, who has taken 140 wickets for the five-time champions.

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