MS Dhoni in CSK's jersey in IPL 2025. Credits- AFP
In a major development, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) might face the biggest heartbreak of the season, as the legend MS Dhoni is most likely ruled out of the IPL 2026. The wicketkeeper batter has yet to play this season for the five-time champions, but if reports are to be believed, fans might not get to see MSD in the yellow jersey.
MS Dhoni, who is famously known for playing through injuries, had played the last couple of seasons with a long-standing knee issue. However, he finally decided to treat the long-standing injury by undergoing knee surgery after IPL 2024, when CSK failed to qualify by just a whisker.
The legendary wicketkeeper returned to play for his beloved Chennai in IPL 2025, where a struggling Dhoni was just used in the last overs. Although CSK again failed to qualify for the playoffs, MSD finished the season with 196 runs, including some breathtaking camoes.
The 44-year-old, who just plays IPL, was in all readiness to play in the IPL 2026, but an unfortunate a calf injury intially ruled him out for the first two weeks. However, after one month into the tournament, MS Dhoni is still recovering from the muscle strain.
End of roads in IPL for MS Dhoni
Reportedly, fans have seen the last of MS Dhoni in the IPL. Thala, as they call him, has been ruled out of the IPL 2026 and won't be playing in the league, as reported by Cricblogger.
"Fresh developments suggest that “Thala” may not feature in any of the remaining six games this season," a prominent sports journalist, Indranil Basu, wrote in Cricblogger's report.
Also Read: Heinrich Klaasen Pushed To Take Retirement Reversal For 2027 World Cup
"It could also mark the end of Dhoni’s story in IPL. Interestingly, the narrative around a calf injury appears increasingly stretched," the report further added.
The report further stated that MS Dhoni was scheduled to play the final two league matches, but that won’t be possible anymore.
“Around ten days ago, there were murmurs that he might at least turn up for the final two league matches. However, even that now seems uncertain, with the calf injury narrative resurfacing once again,” it added.
CSK story in MS Dhoni's absence
In the absence of such a key figure, MS Dhoni, CSK aren’t doing well this season. With too many injuries in the camp, Ruturaj Gaikwad and company are finding it tough in the competitive tournament, sitting at sixth place with just three victories after eight outings.
For the five-time champions, the traded Sanju Samson is performing decently. But barring him, all other CSK batters have been poorly inconsistent, including the captain Gaikwad, who has scored over 2680 runs for the franchise.
Meanwhile, the aforementioned report also revealed that the former CSK captain was unaware of the Samson-Ravindra Jadeja trade, and he is not happy with what is currently happening in the backroom.
When Robin Uthappa hinted at MS Dhoni's retirement
MS Dhoni has been practising and travelling with the team, but he is never seen anywhere during the CSK match days. Meanwhile, former CSK batter and Dhoni’s close ally Robin Uthappa also hinted at the same when he spoke about the wicketkeeper’s future in the IPL.
It is worth mentioning that MSD has played 278 IPL matches - the most by any player- representing just two teams, CSK and Rising Pune Supergiants.
In his illustrious career, Thala has scored 5439 runs at 38.30, including 24 half-centuries. He also took 158 stupendous catches and effected 47 stumpings. Moreover, under his astute leadership, CSK won five championships.
Also Read: Riyan Parag Escapes BCCI Punishment In Vaping Case, Another Individual To Be Sentenced
