IPL 2025: 'I Would Only Thank God That...', Says MS Dhoni As He Leads CSK One Last Time In 18th Season; Video

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni opened up about his fitness levels as he went for the toss for the final time in IPL 2025 as the five-time champions face the Gujarat Titans. The keeper-batter stated that his body is surviving but pleased by how it didn't trouble him enough when he was playing international cricket.

The 43-year-old has been under the spotlight the past few seasons due to his age and waning powers. The veteran has little left to achieve as far as IPL goes, notably propelling the Super Kings to five titles and is the joint-most successful captain in history alongside Rohit Sharma.

With Ravi Shastri asking how is Dhoni's body holding up after 18 seasons of IPL, he stated:

"Well, it's surviving. Every year it's a new challenge, especially when you have reached the last stage of your career and it needs a lot of maintenance. So, thanks to the support staff, they have been doing that well. It has responded well. I would only thank god that it didn't trouble me enough when I was playing international cricket."

MS Dhoni wins toss in his final game of IPL 2025

Meanwhile, the toss at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad went Dhoni's way as he opted to bat first, citing how well the pitch looks. The Super Kings made one change, bringing in Deepak Hooda for Ravichandran Ashwin, while the Titans also triggered a solitary one, drafting in Gerald Coetzee for Kagiso Rabada.

Gujarat Titans (Playing XI): Shubman Gill(c), Jos Buttler(w), Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Gerald Coetzee, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.

Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Ayush Mhatre, Devon Conway, Urvil Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Deepak Hooda, MS Dhoni(w/c), Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed.