IPL 2025: In response to the discussions about his future in the IPL, MS Dhoni has developed an intriguing response. Dhoni is prepared for the 2025 Indian Premier League and will play in the Chennai Super Kings’ first game on Sunday.

Dhoni has spoken out about his retirement rumors as CSK prepares to play their fiercest rivals, the Mumbai Indians, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The former captain of CSK said that he could play for Chennai for as long as he wants to and that the team will still persuade him to play another season even if he becomes disabled and needs a wheelchair.

“I can play for CSK for as long as I want. My franchise is that. Before the match against the Mumbai Indians, he said in a JioHotstar conversation that “they’ll drag me even if I’m in a wheelchair.”

Dhoni will remain with the team for his 16th season in the 2025 Indian Premier League. Although he resigned as captain before the 2024 season, the 42-year-old, who guided CSK to five IPL championships, is still an important member of the team.

Dhoni has not made a firm choice to end his lengthy and illustrious career, despite intense rumors that he would do so throughout the last several seasons.

Dhoni had knee surgery after leading CSK to another IPL championship in 2023, but he returned for the 2024 campaign and played a finishing role. Under new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who will also be guiding the team this season, CSK was unable to qualify for the playoffs the previous season.

Dhoni, who prefers to be ranked No. 8 or lower in the lineup, amassed 161 runs with a strike rate of 220 in 73 balls during the 2024 Indian Premier League. He was kept in the IPL 2025 super auction as an uncapped player.

Ahead of CSK’s season start, captain Gaikwad also praised Dhoni’s unique style in the nets.

“I believe that his training is mostly focused on his goals and his potential position in the IPL. It’s quite straightforward, with the main goals being to get as many sixes as you can, get the swing correct, and stay in the greatest possible form.

“That’s what I believe he was attempting to achieve at first, and I never believed he was in a bad mood. As you can see, even at fifty years old, Sachin Tendulkar is batting as well as he ever has in the Master’s league. Therefore, I believe Dhoni has many more years to go,” he said.