Shami Shares Dhoni's Crucial Advice On Timing Of Cricket Retirement

Mohammed Shami recently shared insights into MS Dhoni's perspective on retirement during a YouTube podcast. Shami recounted a conversation with Dhoni when asked about his own plans for retiring from cricket.

Shami, who will be 34 in September, has been sidelined since the ODI World Cup 2023 final against Australia. He had surgery on his Achilles tendon in February and aims to return for the home Test series against Bangladesh in September.

In a chat with host Shubhankar Mishra, Shami was questioned about Dhoni's future in the IPL. The pacer revealed Dhoni's thoughts on when a player should retire from the game.

Dhoni advised that retirement should come either when a player is bored or faces potential exclusion by selectors. "You [media] guys have been putting a question mark on his future; the man himself says, 'Dekha Jayega' [let's see]," Shami mentioned on Mishra's podcast 'Unplugged'.

"I had this conversation with Mahi bhai, asking 'When should a player retire?'. He said, 'First when you yourself get bored and second, Jab lage ki laat padne wali hai (when you realise that you would be kicked out of the team)," Shami recalled.

Shami added that according to Dhoni, the primary sign for retirement is losing enjoyment in the game. "But the first and foremost thing is that when you stop enjoying the game, it's a sign that your time has come. Better you choose the best moment to retire," he said.

Dhoni also emphasized listening to one's body as it indicates if one can no longer sustain a particular format. "Because your body starts intimating you if you can't sustain a particular format. That's when a player should call it time," Shami added.

Dhoni's Current Status

MS Dhoni stepped down from captaincy but continued playing as a wicketkeeper-batter for CSK in IPL 2024. Despite retiring internationally in 2020, he has not yet decided on his IPL future. The former India captain recently celebrated his 43rd birthday.

This insight into Dhoni’s mindset provides valuable guidance for players contemplating their career timelines. It highlights the importance of personal satisfaction and physical readiness in making such decisions.