Mohammad Shami recalled a funny answer from MS Dhoni when he was asked when a player should retire. Notably, MS Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, is still active in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Chennai Super Kings.
MS Dhoni recently led the CSK to IPL 2023 and kept wickets in IPL 2024 as well, playing the role of a finisher with the bat. He had relinquished captaincy ahead of the IPL 2024, handing the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad.
The rumors and speculations about MS Dhoni’s retirement have continued especially given that the legendary keeper battled a knee injury in IPL 2023 and then played through a calf injury in IPL 2024. He also recently celebrated his 43rd birthday, and his fitness remains a point if he chooses to play in the IPL 2025.
The former India captain has not revealed any details regarding his retirement plans, nor have any of his close associates. So, India pacer Mohammed Shami opted to explain Dhoni's decision to continue playing despite being 43 years old.
"You [media] guys have been putting a question mark on his future the man himself says, ‘Dekha Jayega’ [let’s see]. I had this conversation with Mahi bhai, asking ‘When should a player retire?”. He said, ‘First when you get bored and second, Jab lage ki laat padne wali hai (when you realize that you would be kicked out of the team),” Shami said on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast.
"But the first and foremost thing is that when you stop enjoying the game, it’s a sign that your time has come. Better you choose the best moment to retire. Because your body starts intimating you if you can’t sustain a particular format. That’s when a player should call it time," he added.
Mohammad Shami, meanwhile, is rehabbing from his ankle surgery which he underwent after the ICC World Cup 2023. He has not played for India since then and is expected to make his return either against Bangladesh or against New Zealand in the upcoming home series.
