MS Dhoni Expresses Desire to "Enjoy the Game" in His Final Cricketing Years

Amid ongoing speculation about his participation in IPL 2025, MS Dhoni recently shared his intent to savor "the last few years of cricket" he has left. Speaking at a promotional event in Goa, Dhoni explained that he wishes to recapture the joy of playing like he did in his younger days. "I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I'm able to play," he said, underscoring his desire to focus on enjoyment over competition.

With the IPL deadline for player retention lists approaching on October 31, Dhoni’s future with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) remains uncertain. However, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan recently expressed optimism that Dhoni would continue in the upcoming season. Following a rule adjustment that allows retired international players to be classified as uncapped after five years, Dhoni could be retained by CSK as an uncapped player.

During IPL 2024, Dhoni batted lower in the order, a decision influenced partly by his recovery from knee surgery and partly by his intent to provide more opportunities for potential World Cup contenders. “If others are doing their job well, why do I need to come up the order?” Dhoni stated, explaining his choice to prioritize emerging players like Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube, who were eyeing spots in the T20 World Cup lineup.

Dhoni Applauds Aggressive Play in Test Cricket

Dhoni also expressed his admiration for the "Bazball" style of play in Test cricket, a high-intensity, result-driven approach that has grown in popularity. “I love how teams are playing Tests now,” he remarked, commending the shift toward more decisive outcomes. Dhoni explained that while playing style depends heavily on a team’s strengths, he appreciates the emphasis on achieving a result, which he believes adds value to the game.

Reflecting on his own Test career, Dhoni recalled the challenges of traditional five-day Test matches, particularly when matches dragged toward inevitable draws. “The most difficult time during a Test match was the fifth day when you knew it was going to be a draw,” he admitted, describing those days as particularly draining as they lacked the intensity of competitive finishes.

Dhoni highlighted the need for modern Test cricket to balance its tradition with elements that can deliver clear outcomes, enhancing the experience for both players and spectators. He concluded, “That’s the beauty of Test cricket and that’s how it should stay—you want to get a result after five days.”