MS Dhoni has sparked considerable speculation about his future with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), particularly regarding the 2026 season. In a recent event in Chennai, the veteran cricketer playfully addressed the ongoing questions about his retirement plans, hinting at a possible return while also acknowledging the physical challenges he faces.
Dhoni, who had to step in as captain for a portion of the 2025 season due to an injury to Ruturaj Gaikwad, emphasized the importance of both eyesight and overall fitness for playing cricket. "I just got a tick mark that I can play cricket for the next five years. But the catch is that I have been given clearance only for eyesight. I need clearance for my body as well. I cannot play cricket just with my eyes alone," he stated. This statement implies that while his vision is not a hindrance, his participation hinges on his physical condition and ability to endure the rigors of the IPL.
The ambiguity in Dhoni's statement leaves room for both possibilities: a continued presence in the league or a potential retirement. He has consistently maintained a year-by-year approach to his IPL career since retiring from international cricket in 2020. While he gave up the captaincy ahead of the 2024 season, he remains a vital part of the CSK setup. His role has evolved, often featuring in batting cameos lower down the order due to the impact player rule.
Dhoni also reflected on CSK's performance in recent IPL seasons. He acknowledged that the team's performance in the last couple of years has been below par, with the franchise failing to make the playoffs in consecutive seasons. In the 2025 season, CSK finished at the bottom of the table despite a win in their final game. He stressed the importance of identifying shortcomings and finding solutions to improve. "Yes, the last couple of years have not been good for us... But what is important is for you to see the learnings... We were like, 'Okay, there are some shortcomings.' But first we needed to exactly figure out what the shortcomings were and then look at solutions," Dhoni said.
Addressing CSK's batting concerns, Dhoni expressed optimism about the return of Ruturaj Gaikwad, who missed a significant portion of the 2025 season due to injury. He believes Gaikwad's return will strengthen the batting order and provide stability to the team. Dhoni also noted the potential of young talents like Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, and Urvil Patel, who emerged as promising players during the 2025 season.
Looking ahead, Dhoni emphasized the significance of the upcoming mini-auction in December. He indicated that CSK would aim to address the loopholes in their squad during the auction. "A small auction is coming in December, some loopholes are there, and we will try to plug those in," he stated. This suggests that Dhoni intends to be involved in the team's planning and strategy for the next season, regardless of his role as a player.
While Dhoni's future as a player remains uncertain, his commitment to CSK and his desire to contribute to the team's success are evident. Whether he continues to don the yellow jersey or takes on a different role within the franchise, his presence will undoubtedly be a significant factor for CSK in the years to come.
