As MS Dhoni turned 44 on Monday, wishes poured in from across the cricketing world — but one stood out. “Happy birthday, Mahi bhai. Keep playing,” wrote India pacer Deepak Chahar on Instagram, echoing the sentiment of millions of fans who still aren't ready to see the legendary captain hang up his IPL boots.
Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, remains the beating heart of the Chennai Super Kings franchise.
Deepak Chahar's post on MS Dhoni's birthday
Despite battling a chronic knee issue and advancing age, Dhoni led CSK through a turbulent IPL 2025 season, stepping in as captain when Ruturaj Gaikwad was sidelined by injury. His leadership and presence helped the five-time champions stay competitive, even as he batted lower down the order and played more of a mentoring role.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Though his once-explosive batting has lost its edge, the Dhoni phenomenon remains unmatched. Stadiums still sell out just to witness a glimpse of "Thala", whether he's behind the stumps, walking out at No. 8, or simply tossing the coin at the toss.
In June, Dhoni added another feather to his glittering cap when he was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, Class of 2025, becoming one of the few players to be honoured for excelling across all formats and leading India to major ICC titles — the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy.
But will he return for IPL 2026? Dhoni remains non-committal.
"It depends. Again, I would say the same thing (that) I have four-five months to decide, there's no hurry to decide what needs to be done,” he said after IPL 2025 ended.
For now, Dhoni is enjoying a quieter life in Ranchi, but as always, the spotlight follows him — and the hope remains that he'll walk out in yellow one more time.
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