"Either you die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain."

A quote immortalised by Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight resurfaced recently - not in a Hollywood discussion, but in a heated debate about MS Dhoni's future in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

A cricket pundit invoked the line while reflecting on the career of a man once hailed as the head of Indian cricket, who now finds himself at the centre of growing speculation: is it time for Dhoni to retire?

While some believe it's time for the veteran to step aside, others hope he will continue, not for sentiment alone, but because the enigma that is Dhoni still holds powerful sway.

Standing firmly between both camps, Dhoni broke his silence with characteristic ambiguity after a recent match:

"I am not saying I am done, not saying I am coming back either. I have the luxury of timing. I will think about it and then decide."

This quiet resilience echoes a conversation from another sport. When Indian football legend I.M. Vijayan retired from the national team, his close friend, the late actor Kalabhavan Mani, asked him:

"IM, why did you retire, da?"

To which Vijayan replied, "Mani bhai, shouldn't the song end when the voice is still sweet?"

Mani's witty response: "Who told you, da? That's exactly when you should sing - and make money."

Two years ago, Dhoni's 'voice' was still sweet - or rather, strong. That was when Chennai Super Kings (CSK) claimed their fifth IPL title under his captaincy. But true to Mani's words, Dhoni didn't stop. He chose to keep 'singing'. However, this season, even their fortress Chepauk has seen Chennai falter. Their captain has not been the saviour fans hoped for, nor the aggressive finisher he once was. Unsurprisingly, the retirement question has returned - louder than ever.

After CSK's recent victory over Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, commentator Harsha Bhogle asked him the inevitable. Dhoni, ever sharp, replied:

"If retirement were based on performance alone, many players would have to quit at 22."

But the question lingers in the cricketing atmosphere.

More Than a Cricketer - A Brand

Playing only three months of the year and staying off the field for the remaining nine would challenge any athlete - especially one nearing 44. But Dhoni still manages a few vintage knocks.

Talent, after all, doesn't vanish with age. His lightning-fast stumpings this season are proof enough.

Still, Dhoni's presence on the field now serves not just personal passion, but the larger interests of CSK's management and the IPL brand. Whenever a batter is dismissed before Dhoni in the CSK line-up, the crowd erupts - not in disappointment, but in anticipation. They wait for their "Thala" to walk in. Broadcasters and advertisers know this too.

Usually, when a batter is out, broadcasters cut to commercials. But not when it's Dhoni's turn to bat. Cameras linger, audiences hold their breath - not because he might save the match, but because he is MS Dhoni.

That wait, that moment, still delivers the ratings.