MS Dhoni, the iconic former India captain and current stand-in skipper for Chennai Super Kings, has opened up about the uncertainty surrounding his Indian Premier League future. At 43, Dhoni acknowledges that he is in the final phase of his illustrious career, but says it is still too early to confirm whether he will return for IPL 2026.
Reflecting on his journey and the affection showered on him by fans across stadiums, Dhoni expressed gratitude for the unwavering support he continues to receive. “That is the love and affection I have gotten throughout. Not to forget, I am 42 (43). I have played for a long time. A lot of them don’t know when it is going to be my last time, so they want to come and see me play,” he remarked during the post-match presentation.
Dhoni stated that he intends to make a decision after taking some time off and evaluating his physical condition. He plans to work hard over the next six to eight months to see if his body can manage the demands of T20 cricket. “There is no escaping the fact (that I am in the last phase of my career). After this IPL gets over, I have to work hard for another 6-8 months to see if my body can take this pressure,” he said. He added, “Nothing to decide now, but the love and affection I have seen is excellent.”
Having undergone knee surgery two years ago, MS Dhoni has been grappling with fitness issues. Chennai’s head coach Stephen Fleming also noted the toll this has taken on his gameplay, revealing that Dhoni is no longer able to run full throttle for extended periods, limiting his ability to bat for long durations.
This candid reflection comes at a time when Chennai Super Kings have had a disappointing 2025 season, with inconsistency overshadowing their campaign. Their recent victory over Kolkata Knight Riders marked only their third win, effectively ending their hopes of making the play-offs. With little left to play for this season, Dhoni noted that the team is now focusing on testing the strength of their bench.
While his future remains undecided, Dhoni’s words suggest the door remains open—just slightly—for one more season.
