Five years have passed since Mahendra Singh Dhoni, affectionately known as MS Dhoni, bid adieu to international cricket on August 15, 2020. The announcement, made via an Instagram post, took the cricket world by surprise, characteristic of the man known for his unexpected moves. However, even in retirement, the legend of MS Dhoni continues to resonate, particularly within the vibrant Yellow Army of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Dhoni's international retirement marked the end of an era. He left behind a legacy of exceptional leadership and match-winning performances. From lifting the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 to orchestrating India's historic 2011 ODI World Cup victory and adding the 2013 Champions Trophy to his cabinet, Dhoni remains the only captain to have won all three major ICC white-ball titles. Beyond the trophies, he cemented his place in cricket history with 17,266 runs, 829 dismissals, and 538 appearances across all formats.
Since his international retirement, Dhoni has focused solely on the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he continues to captain the Chennai Super Kings. At 43, he remains the heartbeat of CSK, leading them to a record-equalling fifth title in 2023. His tactical genius and calm demeanor under pressure remain invaluable to the team.
Every year, speculation about Dhoni's IPL retirement surfaces, but he has consistently kept fans guessing. Known for his wit and humor, Dhoni has often dodged questions about his future with playful remarks. In August 2025, when a fan urged him to play in IPL 2026, Dhoni quipped, "Who will take care of the pain in my knees?".
Despite his age, Dhoni has adapted his game to remain effective. Following knee surgery in 2023, he adjusted his batting position to reduce strain while still delivering impactful performances. While he has confirmed that Ruturaj Gaikwad will lead CSK in IPL 2026, his own future remains uncertain. Whether he decides to play in 2026 or not, his influence on cricket will be felt for generations to come.
Dhoni also holds the record for the most stumpings in international cricket, with a total of 195. His lightning-fast stumpings are so iconic that they are known as "Dhoni stumpings". He also holds the record for the fastest stumping, at 0.08 seconds, in an ODI match against the West Indies in 2018.
Even five years after his international retirement, MS Dhoni's impact on Indian cricket remains undeniable. His leadership, his achievements, and his unwavering presence in yellow continue to inspire and captivate fans worldwide. As the question of his IPL future lingers, one thing is certain: the legend of MS Dhoni will continue to reign supreme in the hearts of cricket lovers for years to come.
