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"Is He Even Fit?" Suresh Raina And Aakash Chopra Get Into Heated Debate Over MS Dhoni’s Future

Rajgeeta Yadav

Suresh Raina Defends MS Dhoni [Source: AP Photos and @Diptiranjan_7/X.com]Suresh Raina Defends MS Dhoni [Source: AP Photos and @Diptiranjan_7/X.com]

There’s been a lot of talk about MS Dhoni retiring from the IPL, especially after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) played their last league match of the 2025 season against Gujarat Titans. Even though Dhoni hasn’t officially said he’s retiring, many believe this might be his last season, especially since he just turned 43 and will be 44 by the time the next season rolls around.

CSK, one of the most successful IPL teams, had a tough season this year. They’ve won the IPL five times and are known for their consistency, but this season was different. They only managed to win 4 out of 14 matches and finished at the bottom of the points table, something that’s never happened to them before since the league became a 10-team tournament.

MS Dhoni's Fitness Has Been A Concern In IPL 2025

Even Dhoni stepping in again as captain after Ruturaj Gaikwad got injured didn’t help much. Dhoni’s fitness has become a talking point at his age, with knee issues and limited time in training, his performance hasn’t been what it used to be. 

This year, while he scored more runs overall, his strike rate dropped. CSK ended their season with a big win over the table-topping Gujarat Titans, but it wasn’t enough to make up for the rough season.

Suresh Raina Backs CSK Legend MS Dhoni

After the match, there was a fiery debate on Star Sports. Former CSK star Suresh Raina and ex-cricketer Aakash Chopra clashed over their opinions about Dhoni’s fitness and future. Even RP Singh, former cricketer and Dhoni’s close friend, ended up taking a side.

Aakash Chopra: The point is, why is he batting at No. 7, No. 8 or No. 9. Your team isn't batting well, the problems are coming from the top order. Should such a big player bat higher up? Why the reluctance? Is he even fit or not?

Raina defended Dhoni, saying, "He has been with the team for 18 years. Even now, he hits the most sixes. He feels he is more comfortable in the final four overs. He is fit, keeping wickets at the age of 44. He did an interview in the middle, saying a team for the World Cup (T20) is being made, hence he wants to give others like Shivam Dube more chances."

As for retirement, Dhoni hasn’t made any final decision yet. He said he’ll see how his body feels before deciding on playing in IPL 2026. However, he did confirm that Ruturaj Gaikwad will continue as CSK’s captain next season.