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The sea of yellow begins forming hours before the first ball is bowled. The chants of “Dhoni! Dhoni!” echo through the streets of Chennai. The sun blazes from above, but below, in the stands of Chepauk, there’s an even greater fire—the unwavering devotion to their Thala.
It has been the same for years, and IPL 2025 will be no different. But one question lingers, louder than ever: Will this be MS Dhoni’s last IPL?
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📅 IPL 2025: A Blockbuster Start Against Mumbai Indians
CSK’s IPL 2025 journey begins with a classic rivalry clash against Mumbai Indians (MI). But beyond the cricketing battles, the larger narrative is about MS Dhoni and his future.
Since IPL 2020, every season has sparked the same debate—“Is this Dhoni’s last IPL?”
- In 2020, he said “Definitely not” when asked about retiring.
- In 2021, he led CSK to another title, proving he wasn’t done yet.
- In 2022, he briefly handed the captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja, only to take it back.
- In 2023, he won a record-equalling fifth IPL title but never hinted at a farewell.
- In 2024, he stepped aside as CSK captain, passing the baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad.
And now, in 2025, a new clue has emerged.
🔍 The ‘One Last Time’ T-Shirt – A Cryptic Hint?
On CSK’s first day of practice, Dhoni arrived wearing a t-shirt with “One Last Time” written in Morse code. Was this his way of confirming a farewell season? Or, in classic Dhoni style, is he playing mind games with the speculation?
The cricket world is bracing for an answer, but with Dhoni, you never really know.
🔥 The Dhoni Effect – A Love Story That Never Fades
No player commands fan loyalty like MS Dhoni. At Chepauk, CSK supporters cheer for the opposition when a wicket falls—not out of disrespect, but because they want to see Dhoni walk out to bat.
And when he does, the noise is earth-shattering. It’s not just an entrance—it’s an event.
If you’ve ever been there, you know. If you haven’t, you can only imagine.
🏏 Dhoni, The Player – Still a Gamechanger
Despite being 43 years old, Dhoni continues to defy logic. In IPL 2024, he smashed 161 runs off just 73 balls at a staggering strike rate of 220.5—his highest ever in an IPL season.
- 2023 Strike Rate: 182.5
- 2024 Strike Rate: 220.5
Can he go even higher in 2025? With Dhoni, nothing is impossible.
His glovework may not be as sharp as in his prime, but it remains top-notch. And his cricketing brain? Still one of the sharpest in the game.
If Dhoni is playing, he’s still earning his spot in the CSK XI.
⏳ The Future – Will He Play Beyond 2025?
Does Dhoni himself know the answer? Maybe, maybe not.
The reality is this:
- As long as he wants to play, CSK will welcome him.
- As long as he steps onto the field, the stadiums will be full.
- As long as he picks up the bat, the roar will shake the earth.
So, will IPL 2025 be his last?
Perhaps.
But don’t be surprised if MS Dhoni is back in yellow in 2026 too.
