Is this the last season for MS Dhoni in the Indian Premier League? The question remains very much alive among fans as Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) great captain keeps everyone on their toes.
Dhoni, who has guided CSK to five IPL championships, gave his usual enigmatic answer regarding his future before the toss for their game against Punjab Kings on Wednesday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
With an electric atmosphere and fans waiting with bated breath for a word from the seasoned cricketer, commentator Danny Morrison posed the question on everyone's lips. "Does that mean, you are going to come back next year too?" posed the former New Zealand international.
Dhoni responded in his typical laid-back tone, with a smile, "I don't know, I am coming for the next game."
Though shying away from answering the question regarding next season, Dhoni did reflect on CSK's lackluster performance for IPL 2025.
"Part of one of the things is the pride factor. Most of the matches you play home. Home ground advantage is highly important which we have not been able to exploit," Dhoni elucidated.
He also added, "Same squad. We have been a unit where we do not change very much. But this year we have changed lots of players. Reason is very simple. If the majority of your players perform well, then you chop and change 1-2 players. But this year it did not work with us. It's also a first year following a new auction. So you have something on your mind but you need to see where a batter can fit in."
CSK are in a highly precarious position with just two victories in nine games and last in the points table. Defeat to Punjab Kings will formally rule them out of playoff contention.
As far as the match is concerned, Punjab Kings won the toss and chose to bowl first in match 49 of the tournament. They made two changes in their playing XI — Prabhsimran Singh and Glenn Maxwell made way for Harpreet Brar and Suryansh Shedge. CSK, however, retained the same team.
Still in search of a playoff spot, Punjab Kings are seeking an important victory as their previous game against Kolkata Knight Riders got abandoned because of rain.
Punjab skipper Shreyas Iyer addressed during the toss, "We'll bowl first. We'll play our process out. Our practice has been going on. Boys are in a good mood and excited to play a good game." Talking of an injury problem, he continued, "Unfortunately he's fractured his finger. Haven't thought of a replacement yet."
With CSK on the brink and Dhoni’s future still uncertain, all eyes remain on the iconic captain — not just for his cricket, but for what may be the final chapter of a storied IPL career.
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