[Watch] ‘Thoda Aur...’: Sanju Samson Pleads MS Dhoni Not To Retire From IPL

Akshita Patel

MS Dhoni with Sanju Samson at a brand event [Source: @PTI_News/X.com]MS Dhoni with Sanju Samson at a brand event [Source: @PTI_News/X.com]

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Former legendary captain of India, MS Dhoni met Sanju Samson at an event and the duo shared a heartfelt moment. Samson said that he does not want Dhoni to retire from IPL and also recalled learnings he received from the former legend.

At 43, Dhoni has been coping with a chronic knee injury, which impacted his batting and wicketkeeping in recent years. He was operated on in 2023. And even playing a limited game with the bat, Dhoni remains a master tactician.

However, his injury issues and age factor have often raised retirement rumours. Dhoni called time on his international career five years ago, but IPL remains his soft spot.

Sanju Samson’s heartfelt request to ‘Thala’ MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni’s future in the IPL has been a hot topic for years, but Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson doesn’t want his mentor to hang up his boots just yet.  

In a recent brand event, Samson, sitting beside Dhoni, expressed his wish for the former Indian skipper to extend his IPL career beyond 2025. 

“I have to learn from my mentor here. When Mahi bhai comes to play in the IPL, people keep talking, ‘Is he retiring?’ I just keep thinking, ‘Thoda aur abhi’,” Samson said, making his plea for the iconic cricketer to continue. 

Dhoni and Samson share a lot in common as they both have been wicket-keeper batters and captains for their respective IPL franchises.

Hence, the mutual respect is always there. Moreover, Sanju Samson, as a junior, has always looked up to seeing Dhoni do wonders and the franchise rivalry certainly hasn’t affected his love for the former legend.

Dhoni to play IPL 2025 for CSK

MS Dhoni is not retiring from the IPL anytime soon. Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, CSK retained him for INR 4 crores as an uncapped player. 

This was only possible as the IPL governing body changed rules for retired players. Hence, CSK not only managed to secure Dhoni but also saved some money for the mega auction.