When asked about MS Dhoni's possible retirement, Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad saved his most amusing response for the media. Gaikwad stated during the Saturday, March 22 pre-match news conference that MS Dhoni undoubtedly had a few more years of cricket remaining in him in the IPL, considering that Sachin Tendulkar was still batting well at the age of 50. In the International Masters League, when the legendary batter made some outstanding shots, Gaikwad was making a reference to Sachin's hits. In the 2025 season, Sachin led the India Masters to victory and even made two spectacular shots in the tournament's final.
Gaikwad on MS Dhoni
Gaikwad stated that MS Dhoni is preparing especially for his position in the batting order. Dhoni has been confined to the No. 8 spot for the last two seasons in an effort to have the biggest impact in the game's final two overs.
"So, definitely that always will be there. If you see now, even Sachin Tendulkar is batting as great as he is right now, even at the age of 50 [51]. So, I think there are still many years to go," Ruturaj Gaikwad said ahead of CSK vs MI clash
"So, definitely, it inspires a lot of us, including myself, including everyone from the group. So, whatever he is doing at the age of 43, I think it is remarkable. It is really commendable. And definitely, he will be looking to contribute in the best way he can. But I mean, we have certain strengths that we have been following for the last two years. So, I think nothing much really changes, and hopefully, he will continue to deliver those crucial knocks for us," he added.
To his credit, Dhoni led CSK to victory over the Mumbai Indians and other teams last season after smashing 161 runs at an absurd strike rate of 220.
"I think his training is very much limited to whatever he tries to achieve, or whatever his role would be in the IPL. So, it is pretty much very simple: focused on trying to hit as many sixes as possible, trying to get the right swing, and trying to be in the best shape. "That is what I think initially he was trying to do. And then, I never thought he was out of shape even on the first day. So, I think obviously he is special - he's done it for so many years," the CSK captain said.
In the lead-up to the IPL 2025, MS Dhoni had made conflicting statements about his retirement. Dhoni had stated during an event that he hoped to continue enjoying cricket for the foreseeable future. Later on, however, he wore a T-shirt that read "One Last Time" in enigmatic Morse Code. After deciphering the message, Dhoni's admirers went into a frenzy, hoping that their favorite talisman will play in the IPL for a few more seasons.