When Mahendra Singh Dhoni, former Indian cricket captain and Chennai Super Kings, was photographed wearing a sleeveless Mumbai Indians jersey after a casual football game, the internet erupted.
The picture, taken on Tuesday, 8 October 2025 at roughly 16:52 UTC, spread like wildfire across X, Instagram and Facebook. Fans instantly began wondering whether the 43‑year‑old could be pulling the plug on an 18‑year partnership that began when the IPL launched in 2008.
Why the jersey mattered
It isn’t just any shirt. Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings are arch‑rivals, their clashes often deciding who walks away with the crown. Seeing Dhoni in the opponent’s colours felt, to many, like a subtle nod to a change of allegiance.
Gulf News assistant editor Jai Rai called the image “strange and surreal,” but quickly added that the jersey choice was likely accidental – a friendly football match, not a press conference.
Dhoni’s current standing with CSK
Dhoni’s contract with Chennai Super Kings runs through the 2025 season, paying him roughly ₹15 crore (US$1.8 million) per year, making him the franchise’s highest‑paid player. The team, valued at about ₹10,221 crore (US$1.23 billion) after the 2024 auction, has built its brand around his calm leadership and finishing ability.
Since retiring from international cricket on 15 August 2020, Dhoni has followed a predictable post‑IPL routine: play the season, retreat to the Sports Injury Centre at AIIMS New Delhi for knee rehab, then decide on the next year’s participation about a month before the auction.
What Dhoni said
When asked about his fate for IPL 2026, he replied, “I’m not saying I’m done, I’m not saying I’m coming back. As I said, I have the luxury of time. When you have the luxury then why not think about it and then decide,” as reported by the Hindustan Times Sports Desk.
That answer left the cricketing world with a familiar mixture of hope and anxiety – hope that the legend might still don the CSK cap, anxiety that the franchise could lose its biggest draw.
Fan reaction and the Rohit Sharma call‑out
Supporters of Chennai Super Kings flooded social media with a single demand: trade the Rohit Sharma – the 37‑year‑old captain of Mumbai Indians – for Dhoni. The suggestion was absurd; Sharma’s contract is locked with Mumbai until 2028, and no CSK‑MI trade talks have been reported.
Rohit Sharma, who led Mumbai to five IPL titles, responded later in a video interview with the Times of India, “We respect Dhoni’s legacy. Whatever he decides, I’ll keep playing my part for MI.”
Financial stakes of a possible move
If Dhoni were to switch, the financial ripple would be massive. CSK would lose a player who not only commands a top salary but also drives merchandising, ticket sales and sponsorships. Mumbai Indians, valued at roughly ₹9,710 crore (US$1.17 billion), could see a surge in brand value and ticket demand, especially in the Maharashtra market.
Analysts at Cricinfo estimate Dhoni’s presence lifts CSK’s average match‑day revenue by about 12 %, translating to roughly ₹300 crore (US$36 million) per season.
Upcoming IPL 2026 auction in Jeddah
The next decisive moment arrives at the IPL 2026 player auction, slated for December 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will oversee a salary‑cap structure that forces teams to balance star power against budget constraints.
Should Dhoni confirm his availability, CSK will likely have to negotiate a new contract under the cap, possibly lowering his salary or offering performance bonuses.
Broader implications for the IPL
Beyond the two franchises, a Dhoni move could shift the balance of power in the league. The 2025 season saw MI and CSK each win two matches against each other, with the remaining games decided by a narrow margin. A change in leadership could tilt future head‑to‑head encounters.
Moreover, Dhoni’s growing interest in Bollywood – hinted at by the teaser for Vasan Bala’s upcoming film “The Chase” – suggests he’s weighing life beyond cricket. If the film takes off, his on‑field decisions might be influenced by off‑field opportunities.
What’s next?
In the coming weeks, we can expect:
- Official statements from CSK and MI clarifying any trade rumours.
- Dhoni’s medical team releasing a fitness update ahead of the Jeddah auction.
- Media speculation intensifying as the auction deadline approaches.
- Potential involvement of Bollywood producers in Dhoni’s public appearances.
Until then, the cricket world will keep an eye on the social‑media feeds, hoping the legend’s next chapter is announced with the same drama that his six‑fingered finishes always delivered.
Frequently Asked Questions
How likely is Dhoni to switch to Mumbai Indians?
While the viral jersey sparked speculation, CSK officials have stressed there’s no concrete evidence of a move. Dhoni’s own comments about having “the luxury of time” suggest he’s still weighing options, making a transfer possible but not imminent.
What impact would Dhoni’s departure have on CSK’s finances?
Losing Dhoni could shave roughly ₹300 crore (US$36 million) off CSK’s annual match‑day revenue and affect sponsorship deals tied to his brand. The franchise would also need to replace his on‑field leadership and finishing prowess.
When and where will the IPL 2026 auction take place?
The auction is scheduled for December 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The event, organized by the BCCI, will see franchises bid for players under a revised salary‑cap framework.
Could Dhoni’s budding Bollywood career affect his IPL decisions?
Possibly. The teaser for Vasan Bala’s film “The Chase” indicates Dhoni is exploring acting. If filming schedules clash with IPL commitments, he may prioritize one over the other, especially given his post‑retirement flexibility.
What are fans doing while the rumours swirl?
Supporters have taken to X and Instagram with hashtags like #DhoniStays and #KeepCSKStrong, demanding clarity from the franchise. Many are also reminiscing about his five IPL titles with CSK, underscoring his emotional bond with the team.