IPL 2025 is set to commence on March 22, marking a season in which MS Dhoni will participate. The 43-year-old cricketer declared his retirement from international cricket following his final appearance for India during the ODI World Cup semi-final against New Zealand on July 9, 2019.

Although nearly six years have passed since that event, Dhoni has continued to be an essential contributor to CSK in recent seasons. In the forthcoming season, he will be classified as an uncapped player, having been a retired international cricketer for over five years.

MS Dhoni on retirement

During the launch of an event on Wednesday, he reflected on his final years in the IPL. In an interview with PTI, he stated, “I have been retired since 2019, so it has been quite a while. In the interim, my focus has been on enjoying cricket for the remaining years I have left to play.”

“I wish to experience the game with the same joy I had as a child in school. Back then, at 4 p.m., it was time for sports, and we would frequently play cricket.”

“However, if the weather was unfavourable, we would switch to football. I aspire to play with that same innocence… though I acknowledge that it is easier said than done.”

The cricketing icon also offered guidance to younger players. “As a cricketer, my primary goal was to perform for the Indian cricket team. I have mentioned before that not everyone has the opportunity to represent their country.”

“For us, every time we stepped onto the big stage or went on tour, it was a chance to bring honour to our nation, and for me, the country always took precedence.”

“It is essential to determine what is best for you. During my playing days, I ensured that cricket was my sole focus—nothing else was of importance. I considered what time I needed to sleep, when to wake up, and how it affected my performance; that was paramount. Friendships and leisure could wait. There is an appropriate time for everything, and recognizing that is the best thing you can do for yourself,” he added.

MS Dhoni is widely regarded as one of the greatest captains in cricket history by fans, former players, and analysts alike. Under his leadership, India secured the 2007 World T20, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy, making him the only captain to win three different ICC limited-overs trophies. He also led India to victory in the Asia Cup in 2010 and 2016 and was part of the triumphant squad in 2018.

As the IPL 2024 season approaches, he has passed the captaincy of CSK to Rutu.

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