"Just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket" - MS Dhoni willing to play in IPL 2025
Chennai Super Kings' keeper-batter MS Dhoni has expressed his willingness to play IPL next year. The 42-year-old has said that he wishes to enjoy whatever cricket he has left and will continue playing for the next few years.
With increasing age and waning powers, there has been speculation about his participation in the tournament. However, Dhoni has a massive fan following and the spectators let out loud cheers even if the former CSK captain makes a brief cameo.
Speaking at a promotional event for Rigi, the former Indian skipper opined that professional sport is far from easy, given the commitment and emotions. However, he's willing to keep himself going for a few more years. As quoted by The Times of India, he stated:
"I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play. In our childhood, we used to go out to play at 4pm and enjoy the game. But when you play professional sport, it becomes difficult to enjoy cricket, just like a game. It's not easy. The emotions are there, commitments are there. I want to enjoy the game for the next few years."
The Super Kings have an opportunity to retain Dhoni as an uncapped player for four crore, thanks to the retention rule that has come again after being scrapped in 2021. He had stepped down as captain just before the 2024 edition and is the joint-most successful skipper in IPL with five titles along with Rohit Sharma.
"I've kept it very simple" MS Dhoni on his training and diet
Speaking of his training regime, the Ranchi-born cricketer revealed that he follows a stop-start process. The veteran added:
"I've kept it very simple. I'll train for 15, 20, 25 days and then take off for 15-20 days, so it really helps me be in the groove. I can enjoy the food that I want to eat. Once I start training, I follow a good diet, I won't say an excellent diet. That's what keeps me busy."
The deadline for all ten franchises' announcement of retentions is October 31.