Dhoni's IPL Future in Doubt: 'Not Saying I'm Done, Not Saying I'm Coming Back'

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Chennai Super Kings (CSK) superstar, refused to answer yes or no to whether he will be playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) anymore, saying that he will make a decision once he gets some time off.

The wicket-keeper batsman ended his brief tenure as skipper by leading CSK to a dominant 83-run win against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

Despite the emphatic win in their final league encounter, Dhoni’s performance in IPL 2025 was a noticeable step down from his peak form. Across 14 matches, he amassed 196 runs with an average of 24.50. His strike rate dropped to 135.17 compared to an impressive 220.55 in the previous season.

Dhoni stated that he has the "luxury of time" to think about his future course of action in the next few months. If this game was his last, supporters could feel let down because he did not get an opportunity to bat despite being completely geared up in his customary attire and willing to contribute.

"I have 4-5 months to make up my mind, there's no rush. Have to keep the body in shape.". You need to be in your prime. If cricketers begin retiring based on their performance, half of them will retire at 22. Will return to Ranchi and take a few bike spins. I am not declaring that I am finished, nor declaring that I am returning. I do have some time on my side. Will give it some thought and then make up my mind," Dhoni said in the post-match press conference.

This year was especially disappointing for the five-time champions as they finished at the bottom of the points table for the very first time in franchise history. With only four wins, CSK will look to improve their last game's performance and return strongly in 2026.

"When we began the season, the four games were in Chennai.". We opted to bat second, but I thought the wicket was nice to bat on in the first innings. I was concerned about the batting unit. We can score runs, but some gaps to fill. Ruturaj does not have to worry about so many things next year. You feel old. I sit in the last row, and he sits beside me. He (Siddharth) is precisely 25 years younger than me, and that leaves me feeling I am old," he added.