By Soumya Ranjan 
MS Dhoni has been advised by Sanjay Bangar to think about leaving the IPL after this season. After a disappointing season, Dhoni’s performance has fallen short of expectations due to his age and form issues, casting doubt on his future with the Chennai Super Kings.
IPL 2025: After this season of the lucrative IPL, former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has recommended that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni should retire. Notably, 43-year-old Dhoni was given the captaincy of the team following an injury sustained by Ruturaj Gaikwad in the middle of the season and was retained ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auctions at a base price of ₹4 crore.
Bangar stated, “I mean, it all comes down to MS, but if I were MS, I would say enough that, okay, I’ve played whatever I wanted to play,” during an ESPNCricinfo program. If that was the driving force, I have also taken care of the franchise’s interest, if there is any. However, you move on because you might be able to allow that by being there. You might as well accept the fact that, well, even if I leave now, the franchise will grow on its own if you’re thinking that the transition will happen quickly. This is never the best time to make a decision. I may have to wait another year, but I won’t be here for the full cycle.
MS Dhoni’s IPL 2025 form
Like his franchise, MS Dhoni has had a difficult season in the IPL. Dhoni’s reputation as a 3–4 over hitter who can hit big shots was built over the previous few seasons, but this season he hasn’t had the same success.
Dhoni has frequently pushed himself down the order in the IPL 2025, entering the batting order at number nine on multiple occasions. Some have questioned his effectiveness in the side as a result of this. During his 13 games this season, he has scored 196 runs at a strike rate of 135.17 and an average of 24.50.
With five IPL titles under his belt, the seasoned batter is still among the league’s most successful captains. However, Dhoni might be tempted to retire at the end of this season because aging has diminished his power-hitting ability.
Regarding his prospects of playing in the 2026 Indian Premier League, Dhoni stated, “This IPL gets over, then I have to work for the next 6-8 months to see if my body can take this kind of pressure.”