MS Dhoni IPL Retirement All But Confirmed By Ex-CSK Teammate Before 2026 Season

MS Dhoni tipped to retire after IPL 2026 [Source: AFP]

MS Dhoni is unarguably the biggest name among those who will participate in the IPL 2026. The former CSK captain has been the most prolific cricketer, in terms of impact and brand value, for the franchise since joining them in 2008. 

Dhoni has led CSK to five IPL titles during his captaincy stint from 2008 to 2023. However, as the talismanic cricketer prepares for the next edition of the tournament, his former India and CSK teammate Irfan Pathan has made a massive comment on the MS Dhoni IPL retirement. 

Irfan Pathan predicts MS Dhoni IPL retirement after 2026 season

Dhoni was the most expensive player at the inaugural IPL auction in 2008 as the Chennai Super Kings secured his services for INR 6 crores. He was appointed the captain of the team, instantly leading them to the final of the competition. 

Although Dhoni-led CSK lost to Rajasthan Royals in the final, the wicketkeeper-batter revived their fortunes, powering them to consecutive titles in 2010 and 2011. He was also the skipper of the Super Kings' side that clinched IPL trophies in 2018, 2021 and 2023. 

However, as the legendary cricketer prepares for the IPL 2026 edition, his former India and CSK teammate Irfan Pathan has reckoned that the MS Dhoni IPL retirement could become a reality after the season. 

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Speaking on JioHotstar, the former all-rounder, who represented CSK in 2015, stated that a huge void would be created if the MS Dhoni IPL retirement speculations turn out to be true. 

"CSK is incomplete without MS Dhoni. This season might be the last time we see him in the yellow jersey, and it's tough to imagine CSK and the IPL without him. This season, Dhoni will play an important role in bringing everyone together. I'm not sure how many games he will play. But his presence in the dressing room will help a lot," Irfan Pathan said as quoted by ANI. 

MS Dhoni's IPL career and stats for CSK

Hailed for his incredible leadership qualities and ability to finish things off with electrifying sixes, Dhoni has amassed 4865 runs at a healthy average of 39.23 and strike rate of 139.12 for the Chennai Super Kings. 

As the MS Dhoni IPL retirement talks create buzz among the cricketing fraternity, the legendary cricketer is on the verge of the historic milestone. If he scores 135 runs in the IPL 2026, Dhoni will become the first player to score 5000 IPL runs for the five-time champions.

CSK's IPL 2026 schedule

Talking about the Chennai Super Kings, the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led team will kick off its IPL 2026 campaign on March 30 against the Rajasthan Royals. 

They will face the Punjab Kings, RCB and Delhi Capitals in their subsequent encounters, according to the recently announced IPL schedule for the first phase of the tournament. 

The Super Kings had a forgettable campaign last year, finishing the IPL 2025 as the bottom-sitters. They managed only four wins in fourteen matches and would be desperate to bounce back in the upcoming edition. 

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