MS Dhoni, widely regarded as one of cricket's greatest players, is preparing to play a key role for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. The season opener on Sunday is against the Mumbai Indians - another highly successful franchise in IPL history.
Since his retirement from international cricket, speculation about Dhoni's IPL future has been a constant topic of discussion among fans, particularly with each new season announcement. "I can play for as long as I want for CSK. That's my franchise. Even if I'm in a wheelchair, they'll drag me," he said in a conversation on JioHotstar before the Mumbai Indians match.
CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has shared insights about Dhoni's continued contribution to the team at age 43. Dhoni is expected to maintain his position in the lower batting order, likely at number 7 or 8. "A lot of new players have joined the team and sometimes they struggle to strike the ball as good as he is striking it right now. So, definitely it inspires a lot of us including myself," Gaikwad told the media on the eve of CSK's opening IPL match against their arch-rivals Mumbai Indians.
"Whatever he is doing at the age of 43, I think it is remarkable. We have certain strengths that we have been following since the last two years. So, I think nothing much really changes and hopefully he will continue to deliver those crucial knocks for us." Gaikwad has noted Dhoni's focused approach during practice sessions leading up to the season opener. "His training is very much limited to whatever he tries to achieve or whatever his role would be in the IPL. So, it is pretty much very simple, focused on trying to hit as many sixes as possible and trying to get the right swing, trying to be in the best shape."
Ex-India batter and captain Sunil Gavaskar remarked that whenever people have questioned Dhoni, he has silenced those critics with his skills. "Why should we even ask that question? Why put pressure on him? Every time people question MS Dhoni, he proves them wrong. Don’t doubt his ability. Even at this age, he’s hitting sixes not just past the boundary but into the stands during practice. Age is just a number when it comes to Dhoni," Gavaskar said on JioHotstar.
CSK used their retention clause last year to keep Dhoni for the 2025 season as an uncapped player, given his five-year absence from international cricket. Dhoni has a strike-rate of 203.85 since the introduction of the Impact Player rule, showcasing his capability to still make significant contributions to his team. He walked out to bat after the 15th over in 23 of the last 24 innings, proving that he knows how to adapt his approach to fit the game situation.
The storied rivalry between CSK and Mumbai Indians marks its latest chapter on March 23, 2025. This match is being referred to as the IPL’s own El Clasico, highlighting the significance of their encounters. The two teams combined boast an impressive ten IPL trophies, demonstrating their dominance in the tournament.
In a twist for the Mumbai Indians, they face the opener without their captain Hardik Pandya, who is serving a one-match ban due to slow over-rate from the previous season. Consequently, Suryakumar Yadav will take the helm of the MI squad during this match. MI will be hoping for a strong performance despite Pandya's absence, but his leadership will surely be missed.
The stakes are palpably high for both teams, especially since both CSK and MI failed to make the playoffs in the previously odd IPL season. For these franchises, returning to playoff contention is non-negotiable in the 2025 season.
As the match unfolds, the atmosphere at the M Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai is expected to be electric, with a crowd eager to witness this timeless rivalry. Both teams are expected to be strong, with CSK enjoying a recent upper hand, having beaten MI in their last three matches. In fact, CSK has won five of the last six clashes between the two sides.
As the teams strategize, MI will look to find a way to counter CSK's infamous spin attack, while CSK aims to maintain its dominance. With the weather expected to be warm and humid, conditions will play a part, but fortunately, there is no threat of rain.
For MI, the absence of Jasprit Bumrah remains a concern, as he is recuperating from a stress-related injury that has kept him sidelined since early January. His return is eagerly awaited but won't come until early April.
Sunday's match promises to be a thrilling encounter filled with high stakes and significant performances from star players, especially with Dhoni still performing at an elite level. With history, rivalry, and the drive to win on the line, cricket fans are set for an unforgettable IPL clash.
