MS Dhoni is unlike any of the many legends that the Indian Premier League (IPL) has spawned and witnessed across its 18 editions. Every IPL season has ended for years with both fans and pundits questioning whether this was the final time they saw Dhoni wearing the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) yellow uniform. The same question has surfaced once more as IPL 2025 draws to a close, and many people think the rumours could be true.
Despite declaring his retirement from international cricket in 2020, the 43-year-old has continued to play in the lucrative league. He handed over the CSK captaincy responsibilities to Ruturaj Gaikwad prior to the 2024 Indian Premier League, which marked the start of a transformation. However, Gaikwad had to take back the leadership role after suffering a regrettable elbow fracture halfway through the 2025 Indian Premier League. But even his comeback hasn’t improved CSK’s situation.
The five-time winners are the first team to be eliminated from the postseason chase after a dismal 2025 campaign. In 11 games, the team has only secured two victories. Poor auction tactics and erratic play from their senior players have been the source of their worries.
Young players like Vansh Bedi have not been given opportunities because of the team’s dependence on Dhoni, who serves as both captain and wicketkeeper. Before sustaining an injury at the last minute, Bedi, a young wicketkeeper-batter, was scheduled to make his debut against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Notably, he was later disqualified from the competition after his name was wiped out and Deepak Hooda was substituted.
With the signing of wicketkeeper Urvil Patel by CSK, MS Dhoni retirement rumour intensifies.
According to reports, CSK has signed Urvil Patel, a 26-year-old Gujarati batsman and wicketkeeper, to replace Bedi. Urvil recorded the fastest century by an Indian and the second-fastest in the world in Twenty20 cricket, grabbing attention with a 28-ball century against Tripura in the 2024–25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Additionally, he crushed a century off of 41 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Urvil, Aman Khan, and Salman Nizar were invited by CSK for mid-season tryouts in Chennai on April 27 and 28, despite being passed over in the IPL 2025 mega auction. In two trial matches, the Mehsana native made an impression with scores of 41 (20) and 50 (20).
This year, the five-time winners, who are known as “Daddy’s Army” because of their reliance on seasoned players, have altered their approach by purchasing young players at auction and giving players like Ayush Mhatre and Shaik Rasheed their debuts.
The team may be searching for a possible successor as Dhoni is probably nearing the end of his playing career and his retirement is making headlines, particularly after his sarcastic remark before the toss versus Punjab Kings, “I don’t know if I’m coming for the next game.” Although Urvil lacks the renowned wicketkeeper’s tactical acumen, he may still be coached by the Ranchi native. Given that Dhoni would be leaving, this could be the perfect moment for CSK to develop a new wicketkeeper.
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