"Scammed, Silently Retired": CSK Fans React As MS Dhoni Misses Last IPL 2026 Game

CSK Fans React to MS Dhoni's Absence [Source: Chatgpt, X]

As CSK turned up at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad to face the Gujarat Titans in the 66th match of IPL 2026, fans were stunned to see MS Dhoni missing from the playing XI.

Dhoni, the face of the franchise who led them to five IPL titles, has not played a single game this tournament. After being initially ruled out for the first half of the season due to a calf injury, the wicketkeeper later skipped games per will.

MS Dhoni skips the CSK vs GT clash

According to various media reports, MS Dhoni, despite recovering from the calf injury, made himself willingly unavailable for selection as he allegedly didn’t want to ruin the team combination.

Not only that, but what hurt the fans more was the lack of clarity from CSK. Dhoni was seen travelling with the team, taking part in practice sessions and being involved in various ways.

However, when it came to playing on the field, Dhoni unfortunately stayed away. Moreover, ahead of the CSK vs GT game, also Chennai’s last league fixture of the season, MS Dhoni mysteriously left the squad and went back to his hometown in Ranchi. 

According to reports, Dhoni will only join the squad back if CSK qualifies for the playoffs. 

Also Read - MS Dhoni Done With CSK, IPL 2026 Last

Fans fear the worst ending for MS Dhoni

However, as MS Dhoni failed to turn up for the entire IPL 2026 season, angry CSK fans had an outburst on social media.

Many accused the franchise of using Dhoni’s name to sell tickets, as they allegedly knew all along that the former legend would not play the season. Some even fear that MS Dhoni could have silently retired and may no longer play for CSK in the future.

Suresh N

@TheDugoutStats

@APTalksCricket CSK kept the Dhoni buzz alive all season. Fans planned tickets, flights, hotels around the hope he would play one final innings at Chepauk. The medical reality was clearer than the public messaging. If transparency had been higher, expectations would have been lower. Some

Lucky

@Luckyme_0720

@CRICitism Lol you guys got scammed whole season in the name of dhoni

Sarcastic Dasu

@Hello_Dasu

@CricCrazyJohns MS Dhoni's name enters Guinness Record books for being the first player to get injured multiple times while sitting on dugout, inside team hotel room, while travelling to stadium from hotel and vice versa

Slaying angels

@Slayingangels_

@CricCrazyJohns why does he do this All the time ? Joins the camp , never plays a single game , Ragebaits the fans and leaves quietly

ni yabba reyy

@niyabbarey

@CricCrazyJohns He is silently retired but we can’t prove 😭

🌷

@Sunshine_x_hues

I hope dhoni and csk split news turns out to be true. That will be the final nail on the coffin for me as a csk fan. Free from fleming's clownery.

Meanwhile, at the toss, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad didn’t share any update on Dhoni or his future availability. Hence, amid such uncertainties, fans are bound to raise questions and also cook up conspiracy theories because the franchise has reportedly failed to provide clarity.  

MS Dhoni miffed with CSK management?

One such conspiracy theory behind MS Dhoni’s absence from IPL 2026 suggests that the wicketkeeper isn’t getting along with CSK management. According to Cricblogger, MS has been left unhappy with several management decisions over the past two seasons.

Not only that, it further alleges that the former CSK captain felt increasingly sidelined during major decision-making processes as the franchise gradually shifted its focus toward building a younger squad for the future.

Also Read - Sanju Samson Suffers Nasty Finger Injury Vs GT, CSK Keeper Walks Off In Pain

Moreover, the report claimed that MS Dhoni could part ways with CSK after the conclusion of the IPL 2026 season due to his rift with the management. 

However, as of now, neither Dhoni nor CSK management has officially confirmed any fallout or separation plans.

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