The IPL 2025 season has generated excitement and a lot of emotion, especially for the millions of cricket lovers who have followed MS Dhoni’s fairytale journey. The match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens sparked speculation and emotion: is this MS Dhoni’s last dance in the IPL?…
The Emotional Burden of Potentially Saying Goodbye to a Legend
MS Dhoni has been much more than a cricket player for nearly twenty years, he has been an icon, a leader for millions. His presence has become synonymous with Chennai summers in the IPL, where fans chanting “Whistle Podu” and flaunting yellow banners that read, “MS, Never Leave Us.” The idea of Dhoni leaving the IPL is not just the loss of a player, it’s the loss of an era that brought joy, hope and memories to us.
With the anticipation of the iconic fixture that is KKR vs CSK, which could presumably be his final IPL game, many fans now think about their own emotional attachment with him. For many people, in different age groups, there is a strong emotional bond with Dhoni. For some, he is the reason they go to crowded stadiums and sit in heat to watch a match. His iconic moments wrapping up matches, his always ever-cool standing even under incredible pressure in a game, and his leadership capacity, has created something beyond sport. It’s sad to reflect on all of this, but it’s also inspiring to rejoice at the success of a true sporting legend. To think about the KKR vs CSK match they are attending, maybe his last IPL game, the air is filled with conflicting sobering emotions that are a mix of happy and sad.
The Rumours and Reality: Is Dhoni Retiring?
In all this emotion, all the talk of retirement for Dhoni has been increased. Dhoni’s own parents were spotted at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, but speculations of retirement were heightened when Dhoni’s wife Sakshi, was overheard saying to their daughter Ziva, “Last match”. Social media erupted, claims started to spread like wildfire, and fans began to brace themselves for the end of an era. But Dhoni himself put these rumors to rest when he appeared on a recent podcast. He stated that “he is not retiring right now and is going to go year on year” with his career. Dhoni is 43 years old and will be 44 at the end of IPL 2025, and he said, “It is not me deciding, it is my body that decides.”
In a more humorous light, CSK coach Stephen Fleming weighed in, saying he no longer talks to Dhoni about retirement and is just enjoying working with Dhoni while Dhoni continues to play. This speaks to the respect and recognition that exists within the franchise about Dhoni’s journey and decisions.
Also read: 7 Star Players who might announce their retirement after IPL 2025; Check the list
The Reality of Performance and Critique
Dhoni will always be a unique individual, but it seems to be a challenging year for him in IPL 2025. There have been times where the legendary finisher has not had the same impact to impact games the way he once was, and it has unfortunately opened up criticisms from ex-players and pundits.
However, when reviewing Dhoni’s numbers over the years, it is still plain to see his class was and is real. He has over 5,300 runs with over 268 IPL matches, a career average of 39.4, and a strike rate of 137.55. Dhoni is cemented in the fabric of IPL history. Not to mention the five IPL titles he has as captain with CSK, no one will ever be able to argue he is one of the most successful captains in the event.
The Fans Viewpoint: The Memory to Bear
For the fans, Dhoni’s last season of the IPL is a very emotional time. They have lived their childhoods watching him play and their life has gone along with him. The stadium chants, the yellow color, the special celebrations – those are the memories they can hold close, and they hope never to forget. One supporter put it best, “What are we going to do when he’s gone? It won’t be the same.”
As such, the KKR vs. CSK match at Eden Gardens is about more than just the match. It is an opportunity to say goodbye to a hero, which is something generations of fans have got behind. Whether this is Dhoni’s last game of the IPL or not, this moment will stay with the hearts of cricket fans forever.
Conclusion
MS Dhoni’s experience in IPL 2025 is a genuine mixture of nostalgia, speculation, and hope. While speculation about his retirement is rampant it is yet to be verified ruled out by Dhoni. Dhoni seems to be looking at not his plans but rather his body and what its signals are presenting to him year after year, one year at a time. The KKR vs CSK game at Eden Gardens is truly a historic event. What will we see in the future ? Will this be Dhoni’s last dance or not? Are you prepared to witness this historic occasion?
Written by Smita Singh
