As Chennai Super Kings (CSK) prepare to face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 49th match of the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday, Australian cricket legend Adam Gilchrist stirred emotions with a heartfelt comment on MS Dhoni’s future in the tournament.
The Aussie icon, speaking to Cricbuzz, suggested that the 43-year-old CSK stalwart, who has returned as captain following Ruturaj Gaikwad’s season-ending injury, should consider stepping away after the ongoing season.
Calling MS Dhoni a "champion" and an "icon," Gilchrist opined that the former has nothing to prove and should hang up his boots after IPL 2025.
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"MS Dhoni has nothing to prove to anyone in the game. Well, he will know what to do but, for the future, perhaps he does not need to be there next year. I love you MS, you are a champion and an icon," Gilchrist said as quoted on Cricbuzz.
Will MS Dhoni Listen to Adam Gilchrist and Retire After IPL 2025?
Gilchrist’s words, laced with admiration and a tinge of melancholy, come at a pivotal moment for CSK and Dhoni. The franchise is grappling with a turbulent IPL 2025 campaign, sitting ninth on the points table with just two wins in nine matches.
The team’s woes deepened when Gaikwad, their regular captain, suffered a hairline fracture in his elbow, ruling him out of the season.
Dhoni, who handed over the captaincy to Gaikwad in 2024, stepped back into the leadership role, reigniting hopes among the fans. However, under his leadership, CSK’s fate remained the same, as they have lost three of their four games since he took over.
As a batter, Dhoni has scored 140 runs in nine innings at an average of 28 and a strike rate of 142.86.
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Gilchrist’s comment casts a spotlight on the inevitable question: how long can Dhoni continue? His suggestion that Dhoni "does not need to be there next year" mirrors a growing sentiment among analysts that CSK must plan for a future beyond him.
Will IPL 2025 be his swan song, or will the enigmatic captain defy expectations once more? Known for keeping his cards close to his chest, Dhoni has offered no hints about his plans, leaving fans and pundits hanging on his every move.
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