Is MS Dhoni Retiring from IPL? Parents Watch Him Play for the First Time in Stadium

Chennai, April 5, 2025 – Will April 5, 2025, go down in Indian cricket history just like August 15, 2020? Five years ago, on Independence Day, Indian cricket fans were left heartbroken when MS Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket at 7:29 PM. Now, speculation is rife that Dhoni might retire from the IPL today, as his parents attended an IPL match for the first time ever to watch him play.

A Rare Sight: Dhoni’s Parents at the Stadium

MS Dhoni made his international debut in 2004 and has been an integral part of cricket for over two decades. However, in all these years, his parents—Pan Singh and Devaki Devi—never came to the stadium to watch him play. But today, ahead of Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) match against Delhi Capitals at Chepauk, Dhoni’s parents were spotted in the stands, sparking retirement rumors.

Is This Dhoni’s Last IPL Match?

Since retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni has only played in the IPL. Over the past two seasons, fans have constantly wondered if he would retire, especially after CSK’s title win in 2023 under his captaincy. However, Dhoni returned for IPL 2024 and now IPL 2025, keeping fans hopeful.

Home sweet Anbuden ft. The Dhonis! 🏠🏟️#CSKvDC #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/Bj1rnt1nCw

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 5, 2025

But today’s unexpected appearance of his parents has raised concerns. Dhoni has always been secretive about his retirement plans—whether it was quitting Test cricket in 2014, stepping down as limited-overs captain, or retiring from international cricket in 2020.

MS Dhoni’s parents are Watching the match, for the first time ever I have seen them I’m limelight 🫡

Bro I can’t digest Retirement trauma of Dhoni if it happens 🥲#CSKvDC pic.twitter.com/TB7Q9pav7X

— Utkarsh 🇮🇳🇮🇱 (@utkarsh_dhoni) April 5, 2025

Dhoni’s Promise to Chennai Fans

In the past, Dhoni mentioned that if he ever plays his last IPL match, he would want it to be in Chennai, out of respect for the fans who have adored him. Today’s game is at Chepauk, adding fuel to the speculation.

A Glorious IPL Career

Dhoni has played 267 IPL matches, scoring 5,289 runs at an average of 39.18 and a strike rate of 137.70. Recently, he has been batting lower down the order, entertaining fans with quick cameos. In the last two matches, he remained unbeaten on 30 and 16, but against Mumbai Indians, he returned without scoring.

Will This Be the End of an Era?

If Dhoni decides to retire today, it will mark the end of an unforgettable journey—one that made him the most successful IPL captain with five titles. Whether this is truly his last match or just another chapter, one thing is certain: MS Dhoni’s legacy in cricket will remain unmatched.

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