'This is my franchise, I can'...: Dhoni's reply to retirement rumours | READ

The third IPL 2025 match will be between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Before the match, the team's senior player Mahendra Singh Dhoni stated on the retirement rumors, "I can play for CSK as long as I want." This is my franchise. Even if I am in a wheelchair, they will drag me away. One of the finest cricketers of the game, MS Dhoni is ready for another thrill in Chennai Super Kings' jersey as the IPL 2025 season begins on Sunday. In the season's first match, Dhoni will play against Mumbai Indians, the second most dazzling franchise of the game. As with any other season after his international retirement, the future of Dhoni in the IPL has been on the lips of the fans ever since the tournament schedule was released.

'Even if I'm in a wheelchair, too'

Before CSK's first match of the season against Mumbai Indians, Dhoni stated that he could play as long as he desires. During the pre-match against Mumbai Indians, he mentioned, "I can play for CSK as long as I want. This is my franchise. Even if I am in a wheelchair, they will drag me away."CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad gave some interesting facts about Dhoni's 'unprecedented' capability of playing for his team at 43 and expected that he plays crucial innings for his team this IPL. Just like the past couple of years, this season also Dhoni will play as a lower-order batsman for Chennai Super Kings.

We all are learning from him

Walking to the media ahead of the IPL opener against CSK's Mumbai Indians arch-rivals, Gaikwad mentioned that several new players have been added to the team and at times they find it difficult to hit the ball as good as they are hitting at present. So naturally it inspires many of us, including me." "At 43, whatever he's doing, I think it's incredible. We have certain forces which we have been pursuing for the past two years. So, I think nothing much has actually changed and hopefully he can keep playing significant innings for us."

Dhoni's role is very straightforward

"I believe his training is greatly restricted to what he wishes to do or how his role in the IPL would be," Gaikwad said before CSK's opening match of the season. It's very straightforward, really, attempting to strike as many sixes as can be and attempting to get the right swing, attempting to maintain the best form possible.".

"I believe that's what he was attempting in the early stages and then I never sensed he was out of touch. If you consider it today, Sachin Tendulkar is playing as masterfully (in the Master's League) as he is currently playing at 50 years of age. Therefore, I believe there are plenty of years ahead for them."