Will MS Dhoni wear the yellow jersey of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) one more time in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026? That’s the big question cricket fans have been asking ever since the 2025 season ended. The former India captain, known for his calm demeanour and quick wit, recently gave an answer that had the crowd smiling — and thinking.
Despite battling persistent knee pain over the past few seasons, Dhoni has never shied away from putting his franchise first. But with CSK’s disappointing finish at the bottom of the IPL 2025 table, speculation is now stronger than ever about whether the legend will call it a day as a player or give his fans one final season.
The Moment That Sparked the Buzz
During a recent public event, Dhoni was asked about his plans for the next season. True to his composed style, he didn’t give a definitive “yes” or “no” but instead left the door open.
“I don’t know whether I’ll play or not. I have time to decide. I have some time until December, so I’ll take another couple of months, and then finally, I can make my decision,” Dhoni told the host.
As the audience listened, one fan couldn’t hold back and shouted, “You have to play, sir!”
Dhoni, with a trademark grin, delivered his now-viral reply:
“Arre, ghutne me jo dard hota hai, uska take care kaun karega?”
(“The pain I have in my knees, who will take care of that?”)
The light-hearted response highlighted the physical challenges the 43-year-old has been facing, while also reminding fans that time waits for no one — not even their cricketing heroes.
The Knee Story: Pain, Surgery, and Recovery
Dhoni’s knee troubles aren’t new. Right after leading CSK to their fifth title in IPL 2023 with a win over Gujarat Titans in the final, the wicketkeeper-batter underwent knee surgery in Mumbai.
All through that season, Dhoni was clearly struggling with his movement, but he postponed the surgery until after the tournament, ensuring he could contribute to the team’s successful campaign. The extended rehab period allowed him to recover in time for IPL 2024, but the aftereffects have been visible.
In the last two IPL seasons, Dhoni has:
- Batted lower down the order.
- Limited his running between the wickets.
- Focused more on finishing short cameos rather than playing long innings.
Experts and former cricketers have pointed out that his position change and reduced mobility are a direct result of the surgery and ongoing knee management.
IPL 2025: A Season of Struggles for CSK
If IPL 2023 was a fairytale, IPL 2025 was the opposite for Chennai Super Kings. With Ruturaj Gaikwad captaining at the start of the season, CSK had a decent start but soon ran into trouble.
Midway through the tournament, Gaikwad suffered a hairline fracture in his elbow, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. This forced Dhoni to step in as stand-in captain.
Even with Dhoni at the helm, CSK couldn’t turn their fortunes around. The five-time champions ended the season at the bottom of the table, marking one of their most disappointing campaigns in IPL history.
Behind the Scenes: Planning for IPL 2026
According to sources, Dhoni and Gaikwad have been meeting CSK officials in Chennai over the past few weeks to discuss team strategy for IPL 2026. The management is reportedly evaluating:
- Player retention and release decisions.
- Strengthening their bowling attack.
- Finding dependable middle-order options.
One big development is that Ravichandran Ashwin has reportedly informed the franchise about his decision to seek a new team. The veteran off-spinner managed only seven wickets in nine matches in IPL 2025, well below expectations.
Fan Sentiment: The Dhoni Dilemma
For CSK fans, Dhoni’s presence on the field is more than just about cricket — it’s about legacy, loyalty, and identity. The idea of watching an IPL season without him in yellow is difficult to digest.
On social media, hashtags like #OneMoreSeasonMSD and #DhoniIn2026 have been trending ever since his comments surfaced. Fans argue that even if Dhoni plays just a few matches or comes in as an impact player, his leadership and aura would still inspire the team.
However, there’s also a section of supporters who feel that Dhoni deserves to retire on his own terms and should prioritise his health after giving everything to Indian cricket for over two decades.
The Bigger Picture: Dhoni’s Future in Cricket
Whether or not Dhoni plays in IPL 2026, his association with CSK is unlikely to end anytime soon. Many expect him to take up a mentorship or advisory role within the franchise. This could allow him to shape the next generation of CSK players without the physical strain of playing.
Given his immense tactical acumen, CSK could benefit from having him in the dugout, guiding Gaikwad and other young players through pressure situations.
The Timeline for the Big Decision
Dhoni’s “December” remark gives a clear timeline. Since the IPL 2026 auction will take place late in the year, CSK will need to know his decision well in advance to plan their squad composition.
If he opts to play, the franchise may retain him or buy him back at the auction. If he decides to retire, they will have to look at leadership options and possibly reshuffle their batting strategy.
From 2008 to 2025: The CSK-Dhoni Journey
Dhoni has been the face of CSK since the inaugural IPL season in 2008, except for the two years (2016–17) when the team was suspended. Under his captaincy, CSK has:
- Won five IPL titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023).
- Reached the playoffs in almost every season he’s led.
- Built one of the most passionate fan bases in world cricket.
Even in 2025, with reduced playing time, his presence on the field drew packed stadiums and massive TV viewership.
Will We See MSD in 2026?
Right now, the answer is still a mystery — and Dhoni seems happy to keep it that way. By saying he’ll take “a couple of months” to decide, he’s bought himself time to assess his fitness, recovery, and motivation before committing to another gruelling season.
Whether he plays or not, one thing is certain: the IPL 2026 auction and season will feel very different if Dhoni is missing from the player roster.
Until then, fans will keep hoping, chanting, and trending hashtags, while the man himself — as always — will make the call on his own terms.