IPL 2025: Mahendra Singh Dhoni plays mind games again — drops bombshell on future

Dubai: Mahendra Singh Dhoni stands where he’s stood countless times before — at the centre of Chepauk, bat in hand, crowd in raptures. But beneath the familiar roar was an unfamiliar silence: was this the end? The legend, known for his timing both on and off the field, had once again left the fans guessing.

The 43-year-old, who thrives on keeping everyone on their toes, brought out another trademark moment during Wednesday’s match. As he walked out for the toss to thunderous applause, former New Zealand pacer Danny Morrison asked the question on everyone’s mind: “Will you be back next year?”

Dhoni, never one to show his cards early, smiled and replied: “2026 is far away. I don’t know if I’m coming for the next game.”

Press conference theatre

It wasn’t the first time Dhoni had turned a retirement question into theatre. After India’s shock loss to West Indies in the 2016 T20 World Cup semi-final, an Australian journalist quizzed him about his future. Dhoni, ever the showman, invited the reporter to sit next to him and conducted a tongue-in-cheek Q&A that instantly became iconic.

Dhoni: Do you want me to retire?

Journalist: No, that’s what I asked you.

Dhoni: Do you think I am unfit?

Journalist: No.

Dhoni: You have seen me running?

Journalist: Very fast.

Dhoni: Do you think I can survive till the 2019 World Cup?

Journalist: Yes, sure.

Dhoni: Then you have answered the question.

It was vintage Dhoni — cheeky, composed and completely in control. Nearly a decade later, little has changed.

Fortress Chepauk falls

But while the man remains magnetic, the team around him has struggled. Chennai Super Kings’ once-imposing fortress at Chepauk has crumbled. The five-time champions have lost five straight matches at home this season, winning just once in six games.

Wednesday’s defeat to Punjab Kings officially knocked CSK out of playoff contention, marking the second consecutive year the franchise has failed to make the top four.

After Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out mid-season with an elbow fracture, Dhoni stepped back into the captaincy role. Yet even his return couldn’t reverse CSK’s fortunes. A few matches ago, Dhoni subtly shifted focus to the long game.

“Despite the odds, we’ll try to take a shot at the playoffs,” Dhoni said after the Mumbai loss. “But if that doesn’t happen, we must build a secured eleven and bounce back stronger next season.”

Silver linings

Despite the dismal run, there have been bright spots. Sam Curran has shown glimpses of his best, and the inclusion of younger players like Shaik Rasheed, Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis has injected new energy into the side.

Speaking about Brevis, Dhoni said: “Brevis gives the momentum in the middle order and he’s a very good fielder and has good power so he can hit good balls for boundaries. He brings energy in the field too. We needed that fresh air, someone not caught up in the spiral. He can be an asset going forward.”

Holding their breath

For now, fans are left in limbo. Will Thala return for one final season? Or has he already played his last game in yellow?

If history is anything to go by, Dhoni won’t make it easy for anyone to find out.