Former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni retired from international cricket after the 2019 ODI World Cup but continued playing in the IPL. After stepping down as Chennai Super Kings' captain following the IPL 2023 season, many believed the 2024 edition would be his last. However, he surprised everyone by continuing for another season. With speculation rife about his retirement, his former CSK teammate Robin Uthappa has made a stunning statement, suggesting that Dhoni might play until 2029.

Can Dhoni Continue for Another Five Years?

Most of Dhoni’s former IPL teammates have already retired, and fans are eager to know when he will bid farewell to the tournament. Speaking on JioHotstar, Uthappa stated:

"If you have skills and passion, there’s no reason to stop. If Dhoni retires after this season, I won’t be surprised. But if he plays for another four seasons, I won’t be surprised either."

Dhoni has not given any official indication about his retirement yet, leaving room for speculation.

Fitness Concerns

Uthappa’s remark has taken many by surprise, especially considering Dhoni’s declining fitness. Over the last two seasons, he has faced only 130 deliveries, and to participate in IPL 2024, he had to undergo knee surgery. He was also seen struggling to run between the wickets during matches. Despite these challenges, Dhoni continued to keep wickets throughout the season, showcasing his determination.

Dhoni Gears Up for IPL 2025

The 18th edition of IPL begins on March 22, with CSK set to face Mumbai Indians on March 23 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Dhoni has already started preparing for the season, with recent training session videos showing him hitting big shots. At 43, he is set to return to competitive cricket after a 10-month break.