Chennai Super Kings (CSK) finished their otherwise dismal IPL 2025 campaign with a thumping 83-run victory over table-toppers Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Sunday (May 25).

After the win, CSK’s stand-in skipper MS Dhoni addressed a big question on his IPL future while speaking at the post-match presentation.

Dhoni, who will turn 44 in July, remained non-committal on a possible return in 2026, saying that he has the “luxury of timing” to decide his future.

“It depends. I have 4-5 months to decide, there's no hurry. Need to keep the body fit. You have to be at your best. If cricketers start retiring for their performance, some of them will retire at 22. Will go back to Ranchi, enjoy a few bike rides. I am not saying I am done, not saying I am coming back either. I have the luxury of timing. Will think about it and then decide,” Dhoni said in the post-match interview.

Dhoni endured a forgettable campaign, scoring 196 runs at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17, with the highest score of 30 not out to his name.

His poor show coincided with CSK’s dismal run. The five-time champions ended the season at the bottom of the table, with just four wins from 14 matches.

Reflecting on the season, Dhoni said: “When we started the season, the four games were in Chennai. We decided to bat second, but I felt the wicket was good for batting in the first innings. I was worried about the batting department. We can put runs on the board, but a few holes to fill. Ruturaj doesn't need to worry about too many things next season. You feel old. I sit on the last seat and he sits next to me. He (Andre Siddarth) is exactly 25 years younger than me, that makes me feel I am old.”

Dhoni was also pleased with CSK’s performance against the Titans. "It's good. I won't say it was houseful today. We didn't have a good season, it was one of those perfect performances. We haven't caught very well, but the catching was good today. It depends," he remarked.

(With Cricbuzz Inputs)