Speculations regarding MS Dhoni's potential retirement from the IPL have resurfaced ahead of the league's 18th edition, particularly after the former Indian captain was seen wearing a T-shirt that read "One Last Time" in Morse code during his arrival in Chennai last month for the pre-season camp. However, Ruturaj Gaikwad, the captain of Chennai Super Kings, believes that Dhoni still has "many years to go" in the IPL.

In a press conference prior to Chennai's season opener against the Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday, Gaikwad expressed his views, drawing parallels to Sachin Tendulkar's recent performance in the International Masters League, where the cricketing icon played a pivotal role in securing the title for his team.

"Such discussions will always persist. Just look at Sachin Tendulkar, who continues to perform exceptionally well even at the age of 51. Therefore, I believe Dhoni has many more years ahead of him," he stated.

"This certainly serves as an inspiration for all of us, myself included, and everyone in the team. What Dhoni is achieving at 43 is truly remarkable and commendable. He will undoubtedly aim to contribute in the best possible way. However, we have established certain strengths over the past two years, so I don't anticipate significant changes. I hope he continues to deliver those vital performances for us," he added.

'Dhoni focussed on hitting as much as sixes as possible'

The former CSK captain had an impressive IPL 2024 amid concerns about his knee injury. Walking out at No. 8 or even below, he scored 161 runs at an astronomical strike rate of 220. One of the key features of his performance was that Dhoni struck a boundary every 2.7 balls, implying a minimum of twice an over. Gaikwad added that Dhoni's strategy remains the same for IPL 2025 as he shed light on his preparations in the build-up to the campaign opener.

"I think his training is very much limited to whatever he tries to achieve," Gaikwad said. "Or whatever his role would be in the IPL. So, it is pretty much very simple, focused on trying to hit as much as sixes as possible and trying to get the right swing, trying to be in the best shape. That is what I think initially he was trying to do. And then I never thought he was out of shape even on the first day. So, I think obviously he is special - he's done it for so many years."

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