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MS Dhoni To Play Final IPL Match Against Gujarat Titans? CSK Captain Drops Major Hint At Toss

CSK’s Last League Match Brings Retirement Speculation To The Fore
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad witnessed what might go down as a historic moment in IPL history. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni could possibly have walked out for his last Indian Premier League (IPL) match as his team faced off against Gujarat Titans (GT) in their final league-stage clash.
CSK, desperate to avoid finishing at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table for the first time in franchise history, won the toss and opted to bat first. While the decision was crucial from a match perspective, it was MS Dhoni’s cryptic comments at the toss that grabbed national attention.
Dhoni’s Toss Comments Spark Retirement Talk
“Every Year Is a New Challenge,” Says Thala
During the toss, hosted by Ravi Shastri, the former India coach subtly hinted at the retirement buzz surrounding Dhoni. Though Shastri didn’t directly pose the question, Dhoni acknowledged the unspoken topic in his signature composed fashion.
“Every year, it’s a new challenge, especially when you are at the last stage of your career. You need maintenance. It didn’t trouble me much during international cricket, but now it does. Thankfully, the support staff has been very helpful,” Dhoni remarked.
While these comments weren’t a direct confirmation, they left fans speculating that this could be the last time they see the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman don the yellow jersey on the field.
Read our in-depth analysis on MS Dhoni’s IPL legacy
Ruturaj Gaikwad To Lead CSK From Next Season?
Reports suggest that CSK management has already begun transition plans, with young opener Ruturaj Gaikwad likely to take over the captaincy in IPL 2026. The 2025 season has been a tough one for the five-time champions, currently sitting at the bottom of the table.
A defeat against Gujarat Titans would mark the first time CSK finishes last in an IPL season, an outcome they’ll be desperate to avoid. The shift in leadership adds further significance to Sunday’s match, potentially marking the end of an iconic era in CSK’s history.
Fans Tuning In For A Farewell Moment
Despite no official retirement announcement from Dhoni, the match attracted massive viewership as fans hoped to catch a glimpse of a possible farewell. The buzz around Dhoni’s future has continued throughout the season, with every appearance seen as potentially his last.
Whether or not Dhoni retires at the end of the IPL 2025 season, one thing remains clear—his presence continues to electrify crowds and inspire generations of cricketers.
What’s Next For MS Dhoni?
If Dhoni does decide to hang up his boots, fans and analysts expect a formal announcement at the end of the season, possibly through a press conference or a heartfelt message on social media. Until then, the suspense remains, and CSK supporters can only hope for a few more glimpses of “Thala” in action.
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