MS Dhoni to play IPL 2025? Former teammate Suresh Raina drops major hint

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player Suresh Raina has stated that Mahendra Singh Dhoni will beback for another season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after the current campaign wraps up next month.

The 2024 season is being billed as the swansong campaign for Dhoni who relinquished his captaincy duties on the eve of the start of the tournament. However, when quizzed during a discussion on Jio Cinema if the ex-CSK skipper will turn up in 2025, Raina, a close friend of Dhoni, gave a one-word reply that might cheer the 'Thala' fans.

"Khelenge (He'll play)," said Raina with a wry smile.

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Raina's former Indian teammate RP Singh, sitting beside him also agreed that Dhoni might give the fans another year of his services.

"It doesn't seem like this will be his last season," said Singh.

Another #TATAIPL season for Thala Dhoni? 🥹#IPLonJioCinema | @ImRaina | @rpsingh | @anantyagi_ pic.twitter.com/eeMUfyryGT — JioCinema (@JioCinema) April 17, 2024

Dhoni has been at his explosive best in the IPL, having recently helped CSK achieve a hard-fought victory against arch-rivals, Mumbai Indians, in the El Clasico.Dhoni came out in the final over and smashed a hattrick of sixes to finish with 20 in four balls, which ultimately proved to be the turning point of the match.

Dhoni on his future

Dhoni is a five-time champion with CSK, having led the franchise since its inception. Quizzed last year about his retirementafter CSK won the final against Gujarat Titans, Dhoni said he wanted to come back for the fans one more time.

“Circumstantially if you see, this is the best time to announce my retirement. But the amount of love and affection I have been shown wherever I have been this year, the easy thing would be for me to say "Thank you very much", but the tough thing for me is to work hard for another ninemonths and come back and play at least onemore season of IPL," Dhoni told commentator Harsha Bhogle.

"A lot depends on the body, I have 6-7 months to decide. It will be more like a gift from my side, it's not easy for me but that's a gift. The way they've shown their love and affection, I think that's something I need to do for them," he added.

Dhoni underwent a knee surgery and despite playing no professional cricket since then, has been one of the most dangerous death-over batters in the league.

(With inputs from agencies)