World Cup-winning Indian captain MS Dhoni, who is about to turn 44 in a couple of months, is currently featuring in the 18th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) for Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Dhoni was signed as an uncapped player ahead of the 2025 season. He returned to the leadership role after regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out midway through the tournament due to injury.

However, Dhoni failed to turn CSK’s fortunes around as the franchise recently became the first team to be knocked out of the playoffs race.

Despite CSK’s struggles and Dhoni’s utility in the team, franchise insiders strongly believe that 2025 will not be the end of the road for the legendary cricketer, TOI reported on Saturday (May 17).

According to the report, there has been no indication to the franchise bosses from Dhoni himself that this is his last season.

After an IPL match against KKR earlier this month, the veteran wicketkeeper stated that he still has 6-8 months to decide whether he’ll play the next IPL season or not. However, the feeling is that there are too many loose ends to deal with in the team for Dhoni to go at this stage.

The report further stated that there is a young core that needs to settle down and in such a scenario, Dhoni’s presence remains crucial as a keeper, late-order batter and a guiding light.

Furthermore, Dhoni’s body has held up better than the last couple of years and it should be a point of consideration as well.

As per the report, though, Dhoni is unlikely to continue as captain and the mantle is likely to be passed on to Gaikwad when he returns from the elbow injury.

While the team has failed to make a mark under Gaikwad’s captaincy, it could be a little too early to judge him or sack him from the role.

(With TOI Inputs)