In a heartfelt declaration that speaks volumes about his loyalty, MS Dhoni reaffirms his lifelong commitment to Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2025.
When it comes to player-franchise relationships in cricket, few can match the depth and intensity of the bond between MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings. As the 43-year-old cricket icon prepares for yet another IPL season, his recent statement has left fans emotional and rivals envious of CSK’s unshakeable foundation.
“I can play for as long as I want for CSK – That is my franchise. Even if I am in a wheelchair, they will drag me,” Dhoni declared during a recent interview on JioHotstar ahead of IPL 2025.
This powerful assertion not only confirms Dhoni’s participation in the upcoming season but also offers a rare glimpse into the extraordinary connection between a player and franchise that transcends conventional sporting relationships.
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The Unbreakable Bond: MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings
The IPL CSK MS Dhoni connection has become one of cricket’s most enduring partnerships, spanning over a decade of triumphs and challenges. Since the inaugural IPL season in 2008, Dhoni has been the face of the Chennai franchise, leading them to four IPL titles and creating a legacy that extends far beyond statistics.
What makes this relationship special isn’t just the trophies or the memorable finishes. It’s the mutual respect and loyalty that has weathered storms including a two-year suspension of the franchise. When CSK returned from their ban in 2018, Dhoni’s leadership immediately guided them to another championship, cementing the narrative of loyalty rewarded.
“The relationship between Dhoni and CSK is unlike anything we’ve seen in franchise cricket,” explains cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle. “It’s reminiscent of the club loyalties we see in football, where certain players become synonymous with their teams. Dhoni isn’t just CSK’s captain or player – he’s their identity.”
This sentiment is echoed throughout the cricketing world, with former teammates and opponents alike acknowledging the unique nature of this partnership. The “wheelchair” comment, while said with Dhoni’s characteristic light-heartedness, reveals the depth of commitment that defines his approach to the game and his franchise.
MS Dhoni said "I can play for as long as I want for CSK – That is my franchise. Even if I am in a wheelchair, they will drag me". [Big smile – JioHotstar] pic.twitter.com/8CaDdRAS9p
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 23, 2025
Age is Just a Number: Dhoni’s IPL Longevity
At 43, MS Dhoni defies conventional wisdom about a cricketer’s career span. Set to participate in IPL 2025 as an “uncapped player” – a fascinating technical classification for someone with his experience – Dhoni continues to demonstrate that age is merely a number when passion and skill remain intact.
CSK’s current captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, offered an interesting perspective on Dhoni’s longevity by drawing a parallel to another Indian cricket legend:
“If you see now even Sachin Tendulkar is batting as great as he is right even now at the age of 50 [51]. So, I think still many years to go,” Gaikwad observed, suggesting that Dhoni’s skill and impact could extend well beyond conventional retirement age.
This comparison to Tendulkar isn’t just flattery – it speaks to a growing recognition in cricket that modern training methods, nutrition, and recovery techniques are extending careers beyond traditional limits. For Dhoni, whose game has always relied more on mental acuity than physical prowess, this evolution plays perfectly into his strengths.
His role has naturally evolved over the years. From being the explosive finisher who could single-handedly change the course of a match, Dhoni has transitioned into a strategic presence whose value extends beyond boundaries and strike rates. His mentorship of younger players, tactical insights, and calm presence in pressure situations make him invaluable to CSK, regardless of his age.
MS Dhoni Stats: The Numbers Behind CSK’s Most Valuable Player
Looking at MS Dhoni stats with CSK reveals his immense impact, with over 5,000 runs and a strike rate exceeding 135 across his IPL career. While these numbers are impressive, they only tell part of the story of his contribution to the franchise.
Here’s a comprehensive look at Dhoni’s statistical impact on CSK and the IPL:
| Statistic | Number | IPL Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Matches as Captain | 204 | 1st |
| Runs for CSK | 4,957 | 1st for CSK |
| Sixes for CSK | 239 | 1st for CSK |
| Dismissals as Wicketkeeper | 161 | 1st |
| IPL Titles | 4 | Joint 1st with MI |
| Playoff Appearances | 12 | 1st |
| Win Percentage as Captain | 59.31% | 1st (min. 50 matches) |
While MS Dhoni total centuries in IPL may not be his defining metric, his finishing abilities and match-winning contributions tell a more complete story. His 1,617 runs in successful run chases is the highest for any CSK player, highlighting his ability to perform when the pressure is at its peak.
Perhaps most telling is his record in finals – averaging 44.75 with a strike rate of 157.89 across IPL finals, demonstrating his ability to elevate his game on the biggest stage. These numbers reflect not just skill but temperament, the hallmark of Dhoni’s cricketing persona.
MS Dhoni IPL Journey: From Captain Cool to Franchise Icon
The MS Dhoni IPL journey continues to inspire young cricketers who dream of making their mark in the world’s premier T20 league. From being the young captain who led an unfancied team to victory in 2010 to becoming the elder statesman of the league, Dhoni’s evolution mirrors the growth of the IPL itself.
His journey can be divided into distinct phases:
2008-2013: The Rise of Captain Cool
In these formative years, Dhoni established himself as the calm, calculated leader who could make the right decisions under pressure. CSK quickly became a powerhouse, reaching the playoffs every season and winning titles in 2010 and 2011.
2014-2015: Consolidation and Challenges
These years saw Dhoni continuing to lead CSK with distinction, though without adding to their trophy cabinet. His personal form remained strong, but questions about age and succession began to emerge.
2016-2017: The Forced Separation
When CSK was suspended for two seasons, Dhoni moved to Rising Pune Supergiant. Though professionally executed, his performances lacked the spark that defined his CSK years, highlighting the special connection between player and franchise.
2018-2021: The Triumphant Return
CSK’s comeback season saw Dhoni lead them to another title, silencing critics who had written off both the player and the franchise. This period reinforced the narrative of loyalty and perseverance being rewarded.
2022-Present: The Elder Statesman
Having handed over the captaincy to focus on his playing role, Dhoni continues to influence matches through his batting cameos, wicketkeeping excellence, and tactical inputs. His presence remains central to CSK’s identity and success.
MS Dhoni Future Plans: What Lies Ahead for CSK’s Talisman
The MS Dhoni wheelchair quote perfectly encapsulates his extraordinary bond with Chennai Super Kings, promising a lifetime of loyalty to the franchise. But what does this mean for his immediate future in IPL 2025 and beyond?
Sources close to the CSK camp suggest that while Dhoni will continue as a player in IPL 2025, his role will evolve further. Expect fewer batting appearances but increased strategic involvement, with Dhoni potentially acting as an on-field mentor to captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
“MS has always been about what’s best for the team,” explains former CSK player and coach Stephen Fleming. “If that means batting at number 8 or even not batting at all some games, he’ll do it. His ego has never gotten in the way of team success.”
The long-term vision appears to involve a gradual transition into a non-playing role, potentially as a mentor or coach. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has previously hinted at Dhoni’s involvement with the franchise extending well beyond his playing days.
“When MS says CSK is his franchise, he means it in the fullest sense,” Viswanathan noted. “His future with us isn’t limited to his playing career. His knowledge, his leadership, his very presence is invaluable to us.”
Dhoni CSK Legacy: Building a Dynasty in Yellow
The Dhoni CSK legacy extends far beyond trophies, creating a team culture built on trust, loyalty and unwavering commitment. Under his guidance, CSK has become known for several distinctive traits:
- Backing experienced players: While other teams chase youth, CSK under Dhoni has often preferred proven performers, creating a team of “Dad’s Army” that consistently outperforms expectations.
- Calm under pressure: Dhoni’s personal trademark has become a team characteristic, with CSK known for pulling off seemingly impossible victories in tense situations.
- Family atmosphere: Players often speak of the CSK dressing room as a family unit, with Dhoni as the patriarch who ensures everyone feels valued.
- Tactical innovation: From field placements to bowling changes, Dhoni’s tactical acumen has kept CSK ahead of the curve despite lacking the raw firepower of some competitors.
- Consistency: Under Dhoni, CSK has reached the playoffs in 12 out of 14 seasons they’ve participated in – an unmatched record of consistency in a format known for its unpredictability.
This legacy isn’t just about what happens on the field. The “Whistle Podu” army – CSK’s passionate fan base – has grown into one of cricket’s most recognizable supporter groups, with Dhoni as their unquestioned icon. The sea of yellow at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium is as much a testament to Dhoni’s impact as any trophy in the cabinet.
The Impact Beyond Cricket: Dhoni’s Cultural Significance to Chennai
What began as a professional relationship between a player from Ranchi and a franchise from Tamil Nadu has evolved into a cultural phenomenon. Dhoni, despite not being Tamil by birth, has been embraced by Chennai as one of their own – a “Thala” (leader) whose connection to the city transcends cricket.
“The relationship between Dhoni and Chennai is unique in Indian sports,” notes cultural commentator Arun Kumar. “It’s rare to see a city adopt someone so completely, especially someone who doesn’t share their language or cultural background. But Dhoni’s values – his humility, his loyalty, his quiet determination – resonated deeply with Tamil culture.”
This cultural impact extends to business as well. Dhoni’s endorsement value in Tamil Nadu remains extraordinary, with local brands eager to associate with him regardless of his on-field performances. His face adorns billboards throughout Chennai, and local businesses report sales spikes whenever he’s featured in their promotions.
The “wheelchair” comment, then, isn’t just about cricket – it’s about a relationship between a man, a team, and a city that has become one of Indian sport’s most compelling narratives.
As IPL 2025 approaches, cricket fans worldwide will be watching closely to see how the next chapter in the extraordinary story of MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings unfolds. What’s already clear is that this relationship has redefined what loyalty means in the often transient world of franchise cricket.
When Dhoni eventually does hang up his gloves – whether next year or several seasons from now – his legacy won’t just be measured in runs, wickets, or even trophies. It will be counted in the hearts he’s won, the culture he’s built, and the standard of commitment he’s established.
And if his words are anything to go by, even then, his journey with CSK won’t be over. Wheelchair or not, the yellow jersey seems destined to remain Dhoni’s second skin for many years to come.
Read more: Top IPL Players with the Most loses in history | MS Dhoni and Kohli Included
FAQs About MS Dhoni’s Future with CSK
Will MS Dhoni play in IPL 2025?
Yes, MS Dhoni has confirmed his participation in IPL 2025 with Chennai Super Kings. His recent statement about CSK being “my franchise” and that they would “drag him even in a wheelchair” indicates his commitment to continue playing.
How old is MS Dhoni now?
MS Dhoni is 43 years old (born July 7, 1981). He will be 44 by the time IPL 2025 concludes, making him one of the oldest active players in the tournament’s history.
What role will Dhoni play in CSK for IPL 2025?
While Dhoni will continue as a player, his role has evolved. He’s likely to focus on wicketkeeping and strategic input, with batting becoming a secondary aspect. He’s expected to bat lower in the order and serve as an on-field mentor to captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Has Dhoni retired from international cricket?
Yes, MS Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15, 2020. He now only plays in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings.
What did Dhoni mean by the “wheelchair” comment?
Dhoni’s statement about CSK dragging him to play “even if he’s on a wheelchair” was his way of expressing his lifelong commitment to the franchise. It indicates that his connection with CSK goes beyond just being a player and suggests he plans to be associated with the team in some capacity for the foreseeable future.
How many IPL titles has Dhoni won with CSK?
MS Dhoni has led Chennai Super Kings to fiveIPL titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023), making them joint-most successful alongside Mumbai Indians.
Will Dhoni take up a coaching role with CSK after retirement?
While nothing has been officially confirmed, there are strong indications that Dhoni will transition into a non-playing role with CSK after his retirement as a player. This could be as a mentor, coach, or in a management position. His statement about CSK being “my franchise” suggests a long-term association.
