MS Dhoni revealed his IPL retirement plans [Source: AFP]CSK legend MS Dhoni released a bold statement on his retirement days before the IPL 2026 season. The IPL 2026 begins on Saturday, March 28, with RCB taking on SRH in the first match of the competition. As far as CSK are concerned, the Super Kings will cross swords against Rajasthan Royals in their tournament opener at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. The five-time champions finished tenth on the points table last year and would be desperate to bounce back with a more impactful outing this season. MS Dhoni has undoubtedly been CSK's most significant player and will continue to grab the limelight in the yellow jersey in IPL 2026. As the Super Kings prepare for the competition, Dhoni has opened up on his IPL retirement plans. MS Dhoni's IPL retirement addressed yet again at CSK ROAR eventMS Dhoni has been actively participating in the IPL since its inception in 2008. The talismanic keeper-batter joined the Chennai Super Kings as the costliest player in the inaugural IPL auction and has remained their most valuable player ever since. However, given that he is 44 years old, the discussions around the MS Dhoni IPL retirement have surfaced time and again. The three-time ICC title-winning captain is active only in the IPL, which is why the passionate CSK fans await the Indian T20 league to witness him play. Whenever Dhoni addresses the media or attends an IPL event, the organisers curiously ask him about his retirement plans. Also read: Watch- MS Dhoni In Awe As Mike Hussey Rolls Back The Year Off Ruturaj Gaikwad BowlingIt was no different at the historic CSK ROAR event, which brought several legendary players from the franchise under one roof. Actor Sivakarthikeyan, who was invited to the event to perform alongside renowned Indian musician A. R. Rahman, spoke with Dhoni about his retirement. MS Dhoni opens up on IPL retirement plans before 2026 seasonSivakarthikeyan wanted to know MS Dhoni's IPL retirement plans in front of a packed crowd at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium. He remembered when legendary Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle asked Dhoni about his retirement, to which the latter had famously replied, "Definitely not". The star actor asked Dhoni to repeat his answer to the IPL retirement query. He also reckoned that Dhoni, being as fit as ever, could play the Indian Premier League until aged 60.However, MS Dhoni, in his usual humorous style, admitted to getting old and stated that it would be significantly difficult for him to play for 16 more years. The veteran cricketer quipped, “It’s very difficult. It’s (his fitness) on the way down, it’s not on the way up." Having said that, the CSK maestro also promised to commit to a few more seasons, negating the possibility of an immediate IPL retirement after the 2026 season. He said, "I can try."MS Dhoni's role for CSK in IPL 2026Hailed for his scintillating stroke play, Dhoni was the first-choice finisher for the Super Kings at his prime. Since he's 44 years old, Dhoni is expected to play a passive role in the lower middle order for the five-time IPL champions. Furthermore, he has struggled with a troublesome knee in the last few seasons. Given that the Super Kings have Sanju Samson, Urvil Patel and Kartik Sharma as their wicketkeeping options, we may see Dhoni playing as an impact player in some of the matches in the IPL 2026. Also read: New Zealand Cricket Scraps Their Biggest Tournament As Australia Poaching Comes Close
