• Home
  • Player Stories
  • Otd In 2020 When Ms Dhoni Shut Down Age Critics With A Bold Two Word Remark

OTD in 2020: When MS Dhoni shut down age critics with a bold two-word remark

Soumyajit Dutta

MS Dhoni at the toss during IPL 2020 [Source: Screengrab]MS Dhoni at the toss during IPL 2020 [Source: Screengrab]

MS Dhoni is an emotion for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans, and even after 16 long years of playing in the IPL for them, the love for ‘Thala’ has only intensified. The former Indian cricketer is now 44 years old, but even before crossing the 40-year mark, questions were raised about his fitness and availability for CSK’s future.

As Dhoni continues to stay with the franchise, though no longer as captain, the sharp arrows of “retirement” questions are still aimed at the veteran, who has led the team to five IPL trophies. Yet today marks the day when MS Dhoni’s two-word remark on his IPL retirement sent a wave of celebration among Indian cricket fans and the 'Whistle Podu' gang alike.

"Definitely not": MS Dhoni attacks 'age' critics

Back on a hot, sunny afternoon in 2020, during the COVID era, Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab were scheduled to play the 53rd match of the IPL’s 13th edition. As the pre-match build-up stirred anxiety among CSK fans over whether Dhoni would continue playing in the next season, the then-CSK captain silenced all speculation at the toss.

At the toss, Danny Morrison welcomed MS Dhoni and KL Rahul, Punjab’s captain. After Dhoni won the toss, Morrison asked whether this would be his last game in yellow. Dhoni replied immediately, “Definitely not.”

MSD continues to reign supreme as 'Thala'

It has been five years since that remark, and the CSK veteran is still going strong on the field with his peak athleticism and the same sharp wicketkeeping skills. 

After temporarily taking charge from Ruturaj Gaikwad, who suffered an injury setback during the 2025 season, Dhoni once again displayed his trademark calmness and fierce leadership, guiding the Yellow Brigade with the same intensity as in his prime captaincy days.

Hence, a captain or not, MS Dhoni is still charming his fans all over India with his magnetic presence and hopefully will do so in the 2026 season as well.