'No, not right now': MS Dhoni clears air over IPL retirement

The presence of Dhoni’s parents -- Pan Singh and Devaki Devi -- at the Chepauk for CSK’s match against Delhi Capitals had fuelled speculation about his retirement.

In a recent podcast with Raj Shamani, MS Dhoni put a full stop to all the rumours related to his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The presence of Dhoni’s parents -- Pan Singh and Devaki Devi -- at the Chepauk for CSK’s match against Delhi Capitals on Saturday had fuelled speculation about his retirement.

When asked about his retirement plans, Dhoni said, "No, not right now. I am still playing the IPL. I have kept it very simple, I take it one year at a time, I am 43, by the time IPL 2025 finishes, I will be 44, so after that I have 10 months to decide if I would play or not. But it is not me deciding, it is my body that decides. So, one year at a time, we will see after that."

Earlier, Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming said MS Dhoni is “still going strong” and putting an end to the former skipper’s run in the IPL is not a role assigned to him.

“No, that's not my role to put an end to it. I have no idea. I'm just enjoying working with him. He's still going strong. I don't even ask these days. You guys are the ones that ask (about retirement),” said Fleming in the CSK vs Delhi Capitals’ post-match press conference.

Further in Raj Shamani’s podcast when Dhoni was asked to pick his favourite players, he said, “Yeah, I would stick to my Indian players."

Taking names of cricketers like Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly,Yuvraj Singh, Dhoni said it becomes difficult to pick as he has grown up by watching these players, their spectacular performances and the contribution they have made towards the success of Indian cricket.

Dhoni is continuing to represent CSK in IPL though he retired from international cricket in 2020.

The 43-year-old, who has figured in four IPL 2025 matches has not been in the best of form and his demotion to No. 9 in one of the matches raised doubts about his future.

(With PTI inputs)