Another Indian Premier League (IPL) season has brought another round of rumours over MS Dhoni's retirement, who is one of four players to play in all 18 seasons. At the age of 43, Dhoni is the oldest player in the 2025 IPL and the third oldest in the league's history.

CSK have made a horror start to the 18th edition with one win and three defeats. While Dhoni has made 76 runs in four matches and has been dismissed just once, he made an unbeaten knock of 0 in two balls in CSK's sole win against MI, while the rest of his contributions have come in defeats. With CSK's top order struggling, Dhoni's batting position and approach have faced question marks as his approach of trying to bat in the last 2-3 overs has not worked out like last year.

In CSK's defeat to Delhi Capitals on Saturday (April 5), Dhoni's parents made a rare appearance in the stadium, sparking rumours of Dhoni possibly playing his last match for the franchise. Previously, the 2011 World Cup-winning captain had claimed a few years back that he will play his last match at Chepauk.

However, Dhoni in a recent podcast has claimed that he will only take a call on his retirement after the season ends.

"No, not right now. I am still playing the IPL. I have kept it very simple, I take it one year at a time, I am 43, by the time IPL 2025 finishes, I will be 44, so after that I have 10 months to decide if I would play or not. But it is not me deciding, it is my body that decides. So, one year at a time, we will see after that," Dhoni said in a podcast with Raj Shamani.

While Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020 and last played for India in 2019, he has continued to be a vital part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad. Infact, Dhoni led the Men in Yellow to the title in 2021 and 2023, which made him the league's joint most successful captain alongside Rohit Sharma with five trophy wins.

In every season since 2020, there have been strong rumours of Dhoni playing his last season. After CSK won the title in 2021 and 2023, there were strong suggestions that Dhoni would leave on a high. Last season, the Indian cricket legend handed over captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad, which suggested he was planning to bid adieu, but he returned to play the league after being retained by CSK as an uncapped player for a Rs. 4 crore salary.

After CSK's defeat to DC, CSK coach Stephen Fleming remained tight-lipped about Dhoni's retirement plans.

"I have no idea. I'm just enjoying working with him still. He is still going strong. I don't even ask [about his future] these days," said Fleming in a post-match press conference.

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from IPL 2025,IPL Orange Cap, IPL Purple Cap, Most Sixes in IPL, Cricket, Sports and around the world.