Veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami recently shared insights into MS Dhoni’s approach towards retirement from competitive cricket. According to Shami, Dhoni believes a player should consider retiring when they no longer find enjoyment in the game or sense they might face exclusion from the team.
MS Dhoni’s retirement plans have been a significant topic of discussion, especially regarding his role in the Indian Premier League (IPL). While Dhoni retired from international cricket in August 2020, he continues to play for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL.
Following CSK’s failure to reach the playoffs in IPL 2024, speculation arose about Dhoni’s future plans. Despite this, Dhoni has not disclosed any retirement intentions post the IPL season. The MA Chidambaram Stadium, where the Qualifier 2 and final matches were scheduled, could have potentially served as a fitting stage for Dhoni’s potential farewell.
It’s A Sign That Your Time Has Come – Mohammed Shami
Speaking on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast, Mohammed Shami revealed MS Dhoni’s retirement strategy. Shami emphasized that a player should choose the best moment to retire based on their enjoyment and physical condition.
“You [media] guys have been putting a question mark on his future the man himself says, ‘Dekha Jayega’ [let’s see],” Shami told Shubhankar Mishra.
“I had this conversation with Mahi bhai, asking ‘When should a player retire?”. He said, ‘First when you yourself get bored and second, Jab lage ki laat padne wali hai (when you realise that you would be kicked out of the team).’
“But the first and foremost thing is that when you stop enjoying the game, it’s a sign that your time has come. Better you choose the best moment to retire. Because your body starts intimating you if you can’t sustain a particular format. That’s when a player should call it time,” he added.
MS Dhoni is revered as one of cricket’s finest wicketkeeper-batsmen, having accumulated an impressive 17,266 runs across all international formats with an average of 44.96, including 16 centuries and 108 half-centuries. His illustrious career includes leading India to the pinnacle of Test cricket and capturing titles in the ICC T20 World Cup 2007, ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, and ICC Champions Trophy 2013.
In One Day Internationals (ODIs), Dhoni amassed 10,773 runs in 350 matches at an outstanding average of 50.57, accompanied by 10 centuries and 73 fifties. Beyond international cricket, the 43-year-old played a pivotal role in Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) success, guiding them to five IPL titles.
During the 2024 IPL season under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy, Dhoni contributed effectively despite batting lower down the order, scoring 161 runs in 11 innings at an impressive average of 53.66 and a striking strike rate of 220.54. However, CSK narrowly missed the playoffs based on net run rate, finishing fifth with a record of seven wins and seven losses.
Looking ahead to the IPL 2025 mega auctions, Dhoni’s decision on his cricketing future is anticipated to hinge on strategic considerations for the upcoming season.
