IPL 2025- MS Dhoni openly announces his future plans in front of Sanju Samson; Rajasthan Royals' captain reacts

Legendary India captain MS Dhoni recently opened up on his IPL future. Dhoni expressed his desire to enjoy the last few years of cricket and doesn't want to think too much about retirement.

It is not only just MS Dhoni but Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson also doesn't want him to think about retirement and wants him to keep playing.

MS Dhoni, who retired from international cricket some years ago, is still an active player in the Indian Premier League where he plays for Chennai Super Kings and will continue to play for the franchise in IPL 2025.

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"I just want to enjoy cricket" - MS Dhoni

While speaking at an event for the launch of the app 'DHONI', MS Dhoni spoke about the excitement to play in the upcoming IPL season and also expressed about desire to enjoy his last years in the league.

“As a cricketer, I always wanted to perform for the Indian team. Now I’m retired since 2019, so it’s been quite some time. What I’ve been doing in the meantime is, (that) I just want to enjoy cricket for the last whatever few years that I will be able to play,” Dhoni said.

“I want to enjoy it how I did as a child, when I was in school when I lived in a colony. I want to play with the same kind of innocence. Easier said than done, but that’s what I have been trying to do,” he added.

Dhoni played his last international match in the ODI World Cup 2019 semi-final against New Zealand which India lost heartbreakingly. He announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15, 2020.

Sanju Samson wants MS Dhoni to "play more"

In the same event, Sanju Samson also expressed his desire to play more IPL despite rumors of his retirement. Samson has been a follower of Dhoni's footsteps and has been doing well in international cricket recently.

"When he comes to play in the IPL, people keep talking about his retirement but I am like 'play more'," Samson said.

When he plays IPL , people talk about his retirement. I am like Play More - Sanju Samson 💛#MSDhoni #SanjuSamson

pic.twitter.com/1n9lJX8XqJ

— Dhoni Raina Team (@DhoniRainaTeam) February 19, 2025

Although Dhoni retired from international cricket years ago, he is still an active player in the IPL where he plays for Chennai Super Kings. Even after his retirement, the former wicketkeeper-batter kept on performing well for the franchise, although with limited batting appearances.

He was retained by CSK ahead of the IPL 2025 auction for INR 4 crore under the uncapped player category. Over the years, he has been a talismanic cricketer and an incredible captain for CSK with some outstanding records to his name.

MS Dhoni as captain in IPL

Dhoni has achieved some unprecedented milestones in his career. He has been an astounding captain, wicketkeeper, and finisher for both India and CSK. He led India to title wins in the T20 World Cup 2007, the ODI World Cup 2011, and the Champions Trophy 2013.

His IPL numbers are outstanding as well. Dhoni has led CSK to a record five IPL titles, which is the most alongside Rohit Sharma. He is still the most successful IPL captain with 133 wins in 226 matches at a win percentage of 58.84.

In the last few years, Dhoni has transformed himself into a finisher who bats only for a few balls. However, his hitting abilities haven't diminished and he still carries the same aggression while batting.