Legendary Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni spoke on his retirement plans after CSK's thrilling two-wicket victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens in IPL 2025. This was only CSK's third win of the season - one of their historically worst campaigns - and gave their fans one last moment of joy and perhaps hope for one more season with Dhoni on the pitch.

While they are standing at the bottom of the points table, this game still meant something, as 43-year-old Dhoni was at his calm best, scoring 17 runs not out off 18 balls, finishing the team’s chase of 180 - CSK's best chase since 2019. After the match, Dhoni addressed the mounting speculation surrounding his future in cricket; although he did not confirm his retirement plans, he said that returning in 2026 is still a possibility.

"That's the love and affection I have gotten throughout. I'm 43 and play only two months a year. After this IPL, I need to work 6–8 months to see if my body is able to cope again. Nothing to decide right now, but the support I get everywhere is just amazing," Dhoni said at the post-match presentation.

Thala speaks. 🗣️ 🦁
We whistle. 🫡🥳#KKRvCSK #WhistlePodu 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/2FQqeyjFL3

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 7, 2025

Also read: Dewald Brevis: "I Aspire to Be Like MS Dhoni, Leading My Team to Victory"

"We Want Answers for the Next Year": Dhoni on CSK's Direction

CSK were bolstered by a team effort in Kolkata, with Noor Ahmad's four-wicket haul limiting KKR to 179, while Dewald Brevis (52 off 25), Shivam Dube (45), and Dhoni's calming influence made for a successful chase. The win didn't change the fact that Chennai are no longer in contention for the playoffs but dented KKR's title defense and restored pride back to the Yellow Army.

When looking back at the season, Dhoni felt the team needed to make some assessments strategically. "There were quite a few things that did not go our way. We need to be practical. We need to assess the players for next season - who is going where, who is able to cope with pressure, and who is aware of the game?" he said. It seemed clear from Dhoni's comments that a rebuilding approach was around for CSK. It was not about technique with Dhoni but mentality and the ability to adapt.

CSK fans are now left to ponder what is next, especially with Dhoni still remaining an active player and a chance that they could witness a goodbye at Chepauk in the home game coming up. However, with Dhoni's words, there is a glimmer of hope that the end to one of the game’s most loved careers is not set in stone just yet.