Former Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Suresh Raina, who shares a close bond with MS Dhoni, has disclosed whether the wicketkeeper-batter will participate in the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) or if the current 2024 season will be his final one.
In a video shared by IPL's digital sponsor, Raina was seen addressing a question regarding Dhoni's participation in 2025.
Raina responded with ‘Khelenge’ [will play] without a doubt.
Raina's ex-Indian teammate, RP Singh, who was with him, also agreed that Dhoni might offer the fans another year of his services.
"It doesn't seem like this will be his last season," Singh said,
Dhoni has already stepped down from the captaincy, with the franchise appointing Ruturaj Gaikwad as his successor for the team.
Dhoni has been in stellar form in the IPL, recently guiding CSK to a hard-fought victory against arch-rivals, Mumbai Indians.
Dhoni emerged in the final over and struck a hat-trick of sixes to finish with 20 runs off four balls, ultimately proving to be the turning point of the match.
Overall, Dhoni has faced only 25 balls this season but is striking at an astonishing rate of 236.00.
The main concern for Dhoni this year has been his struggle with a knee injury. The legendary cricketer has been seen limping on several occasions this season and underwent knee surgery after last season's IPL.
Few days back, CSK bowling consultant Eric Simmons also acknowledged that Dhoni has been grappling with a knee injury. However, he has faced it courageously without showing any signs of pain.
"Everyone else is more interested in his injuries than he is. He's one of the hardest men I've ever come across. I don't even think we know to what extent he may or may not be in pain. He just carries on and does his thing," he said after the CSK's win over MI.
"I'm sure there's some niggles. He just has that ability to ignore what it is and do what needs to be done. We're more concerned about his injuries. When I say we, I mean the public (which) is more concerned about his injuries than he is," Simmons added.
