MS Dhoni Urged to Delay Retirement: IPL is More Than Cricket

If the IPL is more than just cricket—if it’s entertainment, economics, and big business—then no star embodies that ethos better than MS Dhoni. Amid Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) rough start to IPL 2025 and swirling retirement talk, former Bengal wicketkeeper-batsman Shreevats Goswami has implored “Mahi” to resist hanging up his boots.

Goswami Backs Dhoni: “Brand Dhoni Is Still Very Much Alive”

On X (formerly Twitter), Goswami wrote:

“Let Dhoni stay. There’s more to the IPL than just runs and wickets—it’s entertainment, economics, the whole package. Brand Dhoni is still alive.”

He argued that Dhoni’s value transcends match contributions. Even in CSK’s third straight defeat—where Dhoni made an unbeaten 30 off 26 balls against Delhi Capitals—blame shouldn’t rest solely on the veteran. Instead, Goswami suggested easing his finishing burden by giving talents like Shivam Dube a chance in the late overs.

Beyond the Runs: Dhoni’s Locker-Room Influence

Though Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020, his presence in the IPL dressing room remains invaluable. Goswami recalled:

“Players—especially youngsters—seek Dhoni’s guidance after every game. His calm, his insights… it’s irreplaceable.”

He also shared a personal anecdote from a Vijay Hazare Trophy semi-final, where a brief chat with Dhoni on “finding form” reshaped his entire approach to batting.

Batting Order Blues: Where Should Dhoni Go?

The debate rages on:

At No. 9 vs. RCB: Critics worried he was too deep.
At No. 7 vs. RR & DC: A slight promotion, but spin still troubled him.

CSK coach Stephen Fleming has downplayed retirement rumors, insisting Dhoni’s role—whether nailing a last-over chase or bolstering young players—remains crucial.

CSK’s Struggles Aren’t Dhoni’s Burden Alone

With CSK languishing in IPL 2025’s lower half, fans demand answers:

Batting depth? The middle order collapse has been stark.
Bowling balance? Early breakthroughs have lacked support.

Goswami argues that team-wide adjustments—not Dhoni’s exit—will revive CSK’s fortunes.

Why Dhoni Still Belongs

Global Icon: His brand drives viewership, sponsorship, and fan engagement.
Mentor Extraordinaire: Young talents thrive under his mentorship.
Clutch Performer: Even in patchy form, his instinct for the big moment is unmatched.

IPL 2025 may be testing times for CSK, but with “Thala” on the field, hope endures. As Goswami and countless fans believe: some legends are simply bigger than the game itself.

Stay tuned to Reddy Anna for more analysis, updates, and insights from IPL 2025!