Chennai Super Kings (CSK) cricketer MS Dhoni, who is known for his match-winning abilities, recently shared an honest take on his mindset as a player. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter revealed he doesn’t feel the need to bat or make individual contributions when the team is already in control of a game.
Dhoni is currently playing for Chennai Super Kings in the 2025 Indian Premier League. Dhoni built a reputation as a finisher in One-Day Internationals. During run chases, the right-handed batter scored 4,849 runs across 145 innings at an average of 51.01, including 35 fifties, 2 centuries, and 50 not outs.
I Don’t Want That Match to End at the Last Over – MS Dhoni
In a conversation with Raj Shamani on his podcast, MS Dhoni shared his selfless approach to cricket. Dhoni said that his only priority was India’s victory, not personal milestones.
“I love challenges, but I don’t crave it. If we are winning the match peacefully and I am not getting the batting, I’m happy. But I am talking about India. I just want India to win. I don’t want that match to end at the last over. Who made runs and who took wickets doesn’t matter. I’m not bothered,” Dhoni said.
MS Dhoni “It doesn’t have to be a 100 run contribution”
Casually bodied Milestones Merchant 🌚pic.twitter.com/5UvVXMGKUt
— Forever_ICT (@loyal_cskian) April 6, 2025
It Doesn’t Have to Be a 100-Run Contribution – MS Dhoni
In the same video, Dhoni said that his focus was always on doing what the team needed rather than chasing personal milestones. He said that winning the match was the only goal when he was playing for India.
“Our job is to win the match. Win the match and go home. That’s what is important. If I get a chance, I want to contribute. It doesn’t have to be a 100-run contribution, It should be whatever is important for the team. I used to bat down the order. So if I can score maybe 30 runs in 15 deliveries. It’s a very big contribution. So anything where I can contribute,” Dhoni added.
Dhoni, who led India to three ICC titles, retired from international cricket in 2020. He last played for the national team in the 2019 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand. Despite stepping away from the international stage, Dhoni remains active in the IPL.
MS Dhoni is Playing His 16th IPL Season for Chennai Super Kings
Dhoni has shown sharp reflexes behind the stumps in IPL 2025. He pulled off some lightning-quick stumpings and run-outs. However, his batting hasn’t yet taken off, but there’s still hope he’ll find form as the tournament progresses. He wants CSK to claim a sixth title under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s leadership.
The batter has faced criticism for his puzzling batting position. He came to bat at No. 9 behind Ravichandran Ashwin during CSK’s loss to RCB. Dhoni scored an unbeaten 30 off 26 balls against Delhi Capitals. He scored 76 runs at a strike rate below 13. CSK will next face Punjab Kings on April 8 in Mullanpur.
Also read: “If MS Dhoni can..”- Ricky Ponting throws open challenge for Dhoni to prove his prowess