Time To Say Goodbye: Why MS Dhoni Must Hang Up His Gloves After GT Match

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

MS Dhoni For CSK [Source: @DhoniArmyTN/x.com]MS Dhoni For CSK [Source: @DhoniArmyTN/x.com]

There comes a stage in every sporting legend's career when the clock stops being their ally and starts becoming their enemy. For MS Dhoni, who once made time stand still with his finishing prowess, and turned impossibe chases into routine victories - the moment of truth has arrived with devastating clarity in IPL 2025. 

At 44, MS Dhoni not only stands at the twilight of his career but also an entire generation of cricket fans who started the watching the game for him. The man who seemed immune to pressure, who thrived in chaos and delivered when it mattered the most, is now fighting battle he cannot win. IPL 2025 has been a painful reminder of the fact that even legends are mortal and even Captain Cool must face the reality that his time is up. 

The Painful Truth of Physical Decline

IPL 2025 has been painful for the biggest of MS Dhoni fans, who have worshipped from the beginning of his career. An average of 24.50, coming to bat even after the tailenders in the side in some cases and struggling to thrive in conditions where he brought his best previously - indications of his 'Endgame' are all there. 

MS Dhoni's Recent Performance Decline

Season
Matches
Runs
Average
Strike Rate
Highest Score
20231610426.0014232*
20241416153.67220.5537*
20251319624.50135.1730*

Even today, when MS Dhoni walks out to bat millions of fan expect to see the Mahi magic once more. However, magic has its limits and even cricket's most iconi number 7 cannot defy time forever. 

The 2023 Farewell That Should Have Been

Hindsight is cruel and it has been the same for MS Dhoni. His perfect swansong would have been IPL 2023, after winning the fifth title. Champions deserve to leave at the top not while struggling against time.

Dhoni's biggest strength - his love for CSK and their faith in him has become his biggest burden. It has gone to a stage where neither the franchise nor he can say goodbye, thus prolonging the inevitable heartbreak. Sometimes love means letting go, even when it hurts, else it slow poisons you leaving only bitterness. 

Conclusion

For those who have followed and worshipped MS Dhoni unconditionally, watch him struggle is like a piece of their childhood fade away. The GT match isn't just another cricket game - its a chance for our hero to write his own ending before cricket writes it for him. Legends like MS Dhoni deserve the dignity in departure, and our Mahi has always known the right time to take tough calls. This time the call is good bye.