Mahendra Singh Dhoni dismisses speculations on IPL retirement.

Former Indian Cricket Captain, and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, on Sunday said he is taking his IPL journey one year at a time and will decide on playing the next season based on how his body feels after the current edition. While replying to a question on his retirement from the Indian Premier League in a podcast, Dhoni said, “I am still playing in the IPL and have kept it very simple — I take it one year at a time. I am 43 now, and by the time this season finishes in July, I will be 44. So, I have around 10 months to decide if I want to play one more year or not. But it’s not really about what I want — it’s the body that makes the decision for you. Whether I can continue or not depends on how I feel physically. For now, I am fully focused on what needs to be done this season”, he added.

The retirement talks gains traction amid Dhoni’s modest performances in the ongoing IPL season. Although the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman has been dismissed only once in four matches, he has yet to make a significant impact with the bat or finish an innings convincingly.

In the clash against Delhi Capitals, Dhoni managed a run-a-ball 30 off 26 deliveries, as Chennai Super Kings slumped to a 50-run defeat. With just one win from their first four games, CSK find themselves under pressure, and several adjustments will be necessary if they are to mount a serious challenge for a top-four finish this season. Reflecting on his cricketing journey, Dhoni said he was a product of hard work and the support of countless individuals. “Right from my school days — my parents, my games teacher, and those I played my early matches with — everyone played a role. Even tennis-ball cricket taught me things, though it has its quirks”, he said.

The 2011 World Cup-winning captain said setbacks are part of sport, but what matters is the ability to bounce back. “There is no big or small opportunity in life. All of them matter. I am grateful to many people — some may not even know I am thankful to them. But above all, it was cricket itself that gave me the will to win“, Dhoni added.