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Why Is MS Dhoni Not Retiring From IPL? Reason Lies Beyond On-Field Performance



MS Dhoni for CSK [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]MS Dhoni for CSK [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]

There have been questions about MS Dhoni stretching his IPL career, when he clearly appears to be in the dusk of his cricketing abilities. At 44, Dhoni is not playing in the tournament because he cannot let go of cricket or the fame that comes with it. He is playing because of a multi-billion-dollar ecosystem that would take a big hit with his departure. Does it look like an over-the-top statement? Let me show you the truth behind MS carrying on with his career despite the backlash from different corners of the fraternity.

The $235 Million Insurance Policy

IPL 2025 saw the worst-ever performance from CSK. For the first time in the history of the tournament, they finished dead last in the points table. However, despite this, there was no dip in the brand valuation of the franchise; in fact, it saw a slight rise.

According to Houlihan Lokey's official IPL Brand Valuation Study 2025, CSK now has a brand value of $235 million, rising marginally from $231 million in 2024. Position-wise, they dropped to third place from first, but this decline is not reflective of their poor display on the field.

To put things into perspective, Royal Challengers Bengaluru needed to win their maiden IPL title to jump to $269 million in brand value and gain the top spot. On the other hand, CSK maintained their brand value, even after their historically poor season, the reason being? Yes, you guessed it right - MS Dhoni.

The Viewership Effect

 A broadcasting number from IPL 2023 will tell you the real story. In that season, the viewership on the OTT platform peaked at 1.7 crore viewers during Dhoni's three-ball stay against LSG, where he scored 12 runs. It was recorded as the highest viewership figure of that season. This broke the previous record of 1.6 crore viewers from the tournament opener. 

According to TAM Media Research, Dhoni has maintained an average daily screen presence of 14 hours, even after retiring from international cricket. In 2024, he secured 42 brand endorsements, placing him over Bollywood legends like Amitabh Bachchan (41) and Shah Rukh Khan (34).

The Economics Behind The Retention

CSK's desperation to hold on to their icon ahead of the IPL 2025 auction suggested that, beyond his contributions to the franchise and his cricketing abilities, there was something else at play. Dhoni took a salary cut of 67% - from ₹12 crore to ₹4 crore. CSK spoke to the BCCI to reinstate the Uncapped Player rule, which allows retired international players to be retained at a lower cost. Why so much effort for a player who has left his prime behind? This was not charity or merely a matter of cricketing logic; it was a well-thought-out economic strategy.

We have recently heard Dhoni's former CSK teammate say: "The little moments that he is on that field, face value, you can pay for that. Some like him walks away from the sport, the sport can dip."

The Commercial Dependency

CSK's revenue from sponsorship exceeded $17 million in the 2024 season alone, with partnerships with major brands like TVS Eurogrip, Gulf Oil, and Etihad Airways. According to 2024 data, Dhoni's brand value was approximately $95 million, supporting a business empire worth over ₹1000 crore, which includes investments in Garuda Aerospace, BluSmart Mobility, and his Seven sportswear brand.

Decision That Is Beyond Individual Choice

When Ruturaj Gaikward was ruled out of IPL 2025 due to injury, CSK immediately turned to Dhoni to lead the team. It is proof that even at 44, he remains their crisis management solution. The Houihan Loeky report noted that "despite struggling throughout the campaign, Dhoni's influence remained undeniable."

The harsh reality of the scene is that Dhoni plays because IPL and CSK still need him to. His presence alone is worth hundreds of millions in brand value, viewership, and commercial partnerships. At the age of 44, in the twilight of his career, MS Dhoni is no longer chasing cricket glory; rather, it seems like a strategic decision from multiple facets in protecting a financial ecosystem that depends on his continued participation.