MS Dhoni quit international cricket on 15th August 2020, having played his last game for India on 10th July 2019 in the ODI World Cup semi-final against New Zealand. However, Dhoni continues to be the biggest name in Indian cricket through the Indian Premier League (IPL), even at the age of 44. While rumours are rife about IPL 2026 behind his last season, CSK's Thala quietly completed a milestone.
On Tuesday (December 23), Dhoni completed 21 years of cricket, having made his debut on this same date back in 2004 against Bangladesh. To honour his cricket anniversary, the Chennai Super Kings social media handles put up a powerful post to congratule their bona fide leader. It had a lovely collage of Dhoni pictures with his favourite tagline 'Trust the process, results will follow'.
Dhoni is arguably among the finest white-ball players of all time and in the list of the greatest captains of all time with many pundits even rating him as the best. Apart from winning three ICC titles including two trophies in ODIs (2011 World Cup, 2013 Champions Trophy) and one in T20Is (2007 World Cup), Dhoni also won five IPL titles with CSK, leaving him equal with Mumbai Indians' Rohit Sharma for most titles.
21 years of the man who conquered 24 yards.
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) December 23, 2025
A MaSter of the game, inspiring generations.
His name will be forever roared through time.
When the game is remembered, his legacy will lead the story. 7️⃣🦁#WhistlePodu #21YearsOfThala pic.twitter.com/29yrK9Sd1a
WMeanwhile, Dhoni has actively been preparing for the upcoming IPL season with a strict daily routine that has gym, intense net sessions and swimming. The veteran clearly wants to look in peak fitness when the tournament starts in March 2026. Regarding his retirement plans, there is no clarity yet, although CSK's auction strategies hint at 2026 being his final year.
Dhoni led CSK during the fag end of IPL 2025 but that was only due to a major injury to regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. With the latter fit and available, Dhoni will revert to being just a senior player. Sanju Samson, who was traded in from Rajasthan Royals in a historic move, is expected to be the vice-captain for CSK.
