M.S Dhoni's retirement buzz: Thala's batting order, fan backlash & CSK's shaky start in IPL 2025

As the Indian Premier League 2025 unfolds, one name that continues to dominate headlines, social media trends, and every cricketing debate is none other than Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The legendary former India captain and five-time IPL-winning skipper has become a constant topic of conversation, not just for his on-field appearances but also for everything surrounding his future in cricket.

Dhoni, fondly known as Thala by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans, has only been playing IPL for the past few years. While every season is eagerly awaited just to see him back in yellow, this year, the narrative has taken a different turn. With CSK having a slow start, just one win from four matches so far, and Dhoni batting lower down the order, questions about his fitness and form have started pouring in.

In CSK’s recent match against Delhi Capitals, Dhoni came in to bat at a tough time, with the team struggling at 74/5 in a chase of 184. Despite staying unbeaten at 30 off 26 balls, the team lost by 25 runs. And while fans cherished seeing him play, others were quick to criticize. The internet exploded with trolling and memes, some questioning why the legend is still continuing.

Adding fuel to the fire were visuals of Dhoni’s parents in the stands and a viral clip of his wife Sakshi Dhoni seemingly whispering “last match” to their daughter Ziva. Though the audio wasn’t clear, it didn’t stop fans from speculating that this could be Dhoni’s final season. The emotional storm intensified when CSK coach Stephen Fleming had to step in, assuring everyone that “Dhoni is still going strong.”

Dhoni himself addressed the retirement talk in a now-viral podcast with entrepreneur Raj Shamani. “Not right now. I take it one year at a time,” Dhoni said, clarifying that his body, not just the mind, will decide what’s next. “I’ll be 44 this July. I have 10 months to see if I can go again.”

While some fans continue to cheer for their beloved Thala, others feel it may be time for him to hang up his boots. Regardless of the debate, the emotional connect MS Dhoni shares with millions of fans remains unshaken. For them, he’s not just a player but an emotion, a legacy that shaped CSK’s success story.

As Chennai prepares to face Punjab Kings next, all eyes will once again be on Dhoni not just to see his performance, but to witness what could potentially be one of the last chapters of a glorious IPL journey.