MS Dhoni’s honest confession on playing IPL at 43: ‘I’m no different’; Ex-captain reveals CSK’s back-room decision-maker

Playing top-level cricket at the age of 43 is a herculean task for most of cricketers around the world but for Chennai Super Kings stalwart MS Dhoni, it is al about staying "relevant" to the changing times in the modern-day game. Having played his last international match in 2019, MS Dhoni kept on playing Indian Premier League since then.

After every season of IPL in the last five-six years, one question that played on everyone's mind is “will MS Dhoni play next season?” The five-time IPL-winning captain have never disappointed. Even at 43, the fitness and flexibility that MS Dhoni possess, it is beyond appreciation.

Rejecting speculations that he is the back-room decision-maker at CSK despite handing over captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad last year, the talismanic former captain said he is instead focussed on reinventing himself and his strokes to "stay relevant" in the IPL.

“...batsmen are now willing to take risks. They believe that with proper cricketing shots, they can play big strokes, and at the same time, they are improvising with their shot selection...whether it's a reverse scoop against a fast bowler, a sweep, or a reverse sweep against a pacer,” MS Dhoni told JioStar after CSK's IPL 2025 win over Mumbai Indians.

"I am no different, I have to adapt as well. This is what is required of me for where I am batting. You have to try and stay relevant," MS Dhoni added. "The way we played T20 in 2008 and the way we played IPL last year, it's very different.

"Earlier, there was a lot of turn in the wickets. Wickets were two-paced. Now, India's wickets have become much better; they are more batter-friendly," explained the two-time World Cup-winning ex-India skipper.

Is MS Dhoni really a decision maker at CSK?

Quashing all rumours, MS Dhoni said although he discusses things with Ruturaj Gaikwad, he refrains from persuading him to follow his advice. "Ruturaj has been part of us for quite some time. His temperament is very good, he's very calm, very composed. So those were the reasons we considered him for leadership.

"Before the start of the tournament, I also told him, 'If I give you advice, it doesn't mean you have to follow it. I will try to stay away as much as possible.' During the season, a lot of people speculated that I was making the decisions in the background," MS Dhoni recalled.

"But the fact is, he was making 99 per cent of the decisions. The most important calls -- bowling changes, field placements -- were all his. I was just helping him out. He did a brilliant job of handling the players," he added.