Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting coach Michael Hussey has offered insights into the mindset and physical condition of MS Dhoni in the ongoing IPL 2025. According to Hussey, Dhoni is thoroughly enjoying his participation in IPL 2025 and maintains a strong desire to perform at his peak for the five-time champions. Hussey further noted that Dhoni has managed his knee issue more effectively this season compared to previous years, a factor that has positively impacted his on-field performances.
CSK opted to retain MS Dhoni as an uncapped player for the IPL 2025 season. Even at the age of 43, Dhoni continues to be a valuable asset to the team in various capacities. His agility and precision behind the wickets remain evident, and he has showcased his signature powerful hitting in the final overs, consistently clearing the boundary with ease.
Adding another dimension to his role, Dhoni has also reassumed captaincy duties for the CSK, marking his first time leading the team since their title triumph in IPL 2023. This change in leadership occurred after Ruturaj Gaikwad was sidelined due to injury following the initial five matches of IPL 2025, prompting Dhoni to step back into the captain's role.
During their recent win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), MS Dhoni played an instrumental late-innings cameo. Coming in to bat, he aggressively scored 26 runs off just 11 deliveries. This explosive innings injected crucial momentum into the Chennai Super Kings' run chase, significantly contributing to their successful pursuit of the 167-run target, with an impressive 56 runs being scored in the final five overs of the match.
"He is doing okay. I actually think he is moving a bit better than he did last year. He has got more confidence in his knee. He is batting nicely, like he always does. He is still very quick behind the stumps. Did you see that run-out? That was incredible - to get that much accuracy and power while sliding all the way down the leg side - it was pretty amazing. Yeah, he is still doing it," Hussey said in the pre-match press conference.
"We all often say age is just a number, and he is still enjoying it. He is still contributing in a lot of ways. We are lucky to have him," he added.
MS Dhoni has been a steady contributor with the bat in the current season, accumulating 130 runs across seven matches while maintaining an impressive strike rate exceeding 150. Despite appearing to be slightly hampered by a limp after receiving the Player of the Match award in their Lucknow victory, the Chennai Super Kings captain has reportedly been in good spirits and actively participating in rigorous training sessions in preparation for their highly anticipated match against Mumbai Indians (MI) which is scheduled to be played on April 20 at the Wankhede stadium.