7 Reasons Why MS Dhoni Should Retire Before IPL 2025
MS Dhoni has been one of the greats of the IPL. However, here are 7 reasons why the CSK legend should perhaps consider retiring ahead of IPL 2025.
MS Dhoni remains one of India's most successful cricketers. What he has managed to achieve during his time with the Indian national cricket team remains unparalled not only in terms of his captaincy- being the only captain in world cricket to lead his side to each of the three ICC titles but also as a wicketkeeper-batter. In Test cricket too, he might not have as splendid a record as a leader as in white-ball cricket but let's not forget that he led Team India to the number 1 rankings in Test cricket when he was at the helm of affairs.
When it comes to the Indian Premier League (IPL), Dhoni has been exceptional as a captain. He has managed to lead his franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to five titles not only when they were favourites but also when they were written off and were branded as 'dad's army'. Even though Dhoni handed over CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad before the start of IPL 2024, he continues to remain associated with them as a wicketkeeper-batter.
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While it is still not known whether or not Dhoni will come back for another season with CSK, here are 7 reasons why Dhoni should perhaps retire ahead of IPL 2025.
1. Age Catching Up On 'Thala'
Even the most die-hard Dhoni fans will have to agree that athletes can't go on forever. Quite certainly, Dhoni's prime is behind him and age seems to have caught up on him. He might look as fit as a fiddle but with the 43-year-old playing one tournament in a year, it is certainly not an easy task to replicate what he did when he was at the peak of his ability as a keeper-batter when he played round the year.
2. Lacking Consistency With The Bat
Dhoni might evoke a massive sense of nostalgia and reputation and might still be able to finish the odd match because of his vast experience but it would be fair to say that he has been lacking in consistency in the recent years. In IPL 2024, Dhoni scored 161 runs in 14 matches, often coming down to bat very low down the order. IPL 2023 was worse for one of the biggest stars of the competition with him accumulating 104 runs in a season where CSK ended up winning the tournament.
3. CSK's Need To Build A Team For Future
This could be the best time for someone like MS Dhoni to retire and take up a mentor role like Dinesh Karthik has done with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). There is a mega-auction lined up before IPL 2025 which means it will be a time when teams would want to build a new core for the future. If Dhoni hangs up his boots, it would in sync with the mission of trust a new bunch of players under a new captain who can achieve what he did with the team for so many years.
4. Unfair On Young Keepers Waiting For Their Chance
With Dhoni in the playing 11, even if CSK have other keeper-batters in the squad, they might only get to play either as a batter or wait endlessly for a chance in the side. Given that Dhoni recognised the need to transition to younger set of players when he was the captain himself, the 43-year-old might have already made up his mind that he wouldn't be around for the next season. However, given Dhoni's nature of making last-minute announcements without making any fuss, fans may have to wait a little longer for a confirmation.
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5. MS Dhoni Battling Injury Concerns
Despite working hard on his fitness, MS Dhoni has struggled with injuries in the past couple of seasons. It was a knee injury that bothered him in IPL 2023 after the conclusion of which the Ranchi-born cricket star even underwent a surgery in Mumbai. The Master Finisher suffered a muscle tear in IPL 2024 which forced him to bat lower down the order. This could be another reason Dhoni might consider retiring from IPL before the 2025 season.
6. MS Dhoni's Rich Legacy
Dhoni has already left a massive legacy. By unncessarily extending his career, one of the most respected and loved cricketers of the country might do more bad than good to his stature and image. Although CSK fans might want their 'Thala' to continue forever, a rational mind might suggest that he could still be part of the tactical decisions in the group but perhaps in a non-playing capacity.
7. Other Avenues Of Life
Once MS Dhoni retires from IPL, he will be able to focus on the other avenues of his life. Dhoni has invested in businesses and also has a production house called Dhoni Entertainment Pvt Ltd. In addition, he can continue to contribute to Indian cricket as a mentor or take up a coaching role when an opportunity presents itself. All said and done, Dhoni is set to remain one of the legends of the Indian cricket and of course the IPL.
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