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MS Dhoni in IPL 2025 (Source: AFP)
Chennai Super Kings' IPL 2026 season has once again brought the spotlight back on MS Dhoni’s future in the tournament. CSK failed to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs after suffering an 89-run defeat against Gujarat Titans.
However, along with CSK’s poor performance, the focus also remained on MS Dhoni’s complete absence from the season.
The legendary player did not play a single game in IPL 2026 due to multiple injury setbacks. Initially ruled out with a calf strain before the tournament, MS Dhoni later reportedly suffered another setback during recovery.
Towards the final phase of the season, CSK management also confirmed that he had picked up a thumb injury.
Will MS Dhoni play in IPL 2027?
The biggest question now is whether fans will get to see MS Dhoni in IPL 2027. By the start of the next season, the former India captain will be 45 years old, and uncertainty around his future continues to grow.
Also Read: MS Dhoni's IPL Participation Creates Massive Coaching Trouble For CSK
Despite the doubts, former India pacer Zaheer Khan believes MS Dhoni may still return for one final season before retiring. Speaking on Cricbuzz, Zaheer Khan suggested that Dhoni would evaluate his fitness during the off-season before making a final decision.
"After the off-season he (Dhoni) will see how his body is feeling. When it comes to the big auction, and I think the kind of direction which CSK has gone in, which is investing heavily in youngsters, when you’re retaining them, you have two slots of uncapped players." Zaheer said on Cricbuzz.
He also pointed out that CSK have been investing heavily in younger players and may eventually identify a long-term uncapped option to replace Dhoni in the squad.
"This year CSK maybe in the beginning of the cycle, they used MSD as an uncapped option? So, if they find someone who is going to take the franchise forward, then MS himself, like how he decided that okay, he’s going to be an uncapped player, use that for his advantage, for the franchise’s advantage, so he will look at it that way.
"So if you have that kind of approach, then the next year becomes important for him to come back and then take that call once it comes to the big auction. If you ask him, he’s going to say that, ‘Okay, I’ll see how the off-season goes,’ which every year he’s been doing, isn’t it?"
CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad also hinted that the final decision rests entirely with Dhoni. The franchise management reportedly remains unsure about his plans for the future.
MS Dhoni to part ways with CSK?
Amid growing uncertainty, reports have also suggested that Dhoni could part ways with CSK after IPL 2026. A report by CricBlogger claimed that the relationship between Dhoni and the franchise has become bitter, though neither side has issued an official confirmation.
As of now, with CSK's journey over in IPL 2026, the fans have to wait another year to witness Dhoni play and to see his ultimate decision on his future with the 'Yellow Army'.
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