Rumors had been circulating that MS Dhoni might retire from the IPL following the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs Delhi Capitals (DC) clash. CSK head coach Stephen Fleming addressed the speculation after the 17th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, held on April 6. Every IPL season sees a wave of retirement buzz surrounding Dhoni, and this year is no exception.
Dhoni has been synonymous with CSK since the franchise’s debut in 2008, barring the 2016 and 2017 seasons when CSK was suspended and he played for the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiants. Though he stepped down from captaincy last season, the legendary wicketkeeper-batter still dons the yellow jersey, guarding the stumps and thrilling fans with his signature sixes.
Despite Dhoni’s presence, CSK has had a rough start to IPL 2025, losing three of their first four matches. In their latest outing on Saturday, Ruturaj Gaikwad and his side fell short while chasing 184 against Delhi Capitals, marking their third consecutive defeat of the season.
“I Have No Idea”: Stephen Fleming on MS Dhoni Retirement Speculation
Following the CSK vs DC clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming was asked about the ongoing speculation surrounding MS Dhoni’s potential retirement after this IPL season. However, the former New Zealand captain made it clear he has no insight into the matter, adding that Dhoni continues to perform well.
“That’s not my place to comment. Honestly, I have no idea. I’m just enjoying the opportunity to work with him. He’s still going strong,” Fleming said during the post-match press conference. “I don’t even ask anymore. That’s your job,” he added, addressing the media.
Meanwhile, Dhoni’s performance lower down the order has been a mixed bag so far in IPL 2025. The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman has scored 76 runs in four innings at a strike rate of 138, including four sixes.
In the recent match against Delhi Capitals, Dhoni contributed 30 runs off 25 balls, but it wasn’t enough as CSK fell short by 25 runs. With only one win from their first four matches, the IPL 2023 champions are currently eighth on the points table with just two points.
CSK will look to bounce back in their next fixture against Punjab Kings on Tuesday, April 18, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Chandigarh.