Exclusive | MS Dhoni is likely to play the IPL for one more season

MS Dhoni to play IPL 2026. (PTI Photo)

Over the last few years, every time when the IPL arrives, this has been a common question — will this be MS Dhoni’s last? During the last edition of the tournament, with Dhoni’s parents in attendance for a Chennai Super Kings game at Chepauk, the retirement speculations broke the internet. As it turned out, the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman assumed the team's captaincy mid-season, after Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out due to an elbow injury.

CSK finished at the bottom of the table in the 2025 IPL and Dhoni returned with just 196 runs from 13 innings at a strike-rate of 135.17. During the course of the tournament, the five-time IPL champions started to make a switch, from experience to youth. Youngsters like Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel and Dewald Brevis were brought in — a group of players who would form the core of the side going ahead. CSK batting coach Michael Hussey spoke about how the franchise needed to embrace the change.

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Once again, the question was asked — would Dhoni continue to be there as a player, as transition has begun in earnest? The answer is, as RevSportz has reported, CSK expect their talisman to play for at least one more season. N Srinivasan returning as the CSK chairman might play a part in this.

Srinivasan has always been fatherly to Dhoni and the relationship goes way beyond the hard numbers and silverware. A few years ago, during a conversation with the former BCCI and ICC president, this correspondent had asked him about Dhoni's playing future — for how long he would be part of CSK as a player. “As long as he wants to,” Srinivasan had said.

Before the 2025 IPL, Dhoni had spoken about his bond with the franchise. “I can play for CSK as long as I want. That's my franchise. Even if I'm in a wheelchair, they will drag me.” Things haven't changed despite the player turning 44 this July.

Dhoni has a mind of his own, and nothing is certain until the confirmation is coming from him. At the moment, as images on social media suggest, he is enjoying the US Open. A decision is expected before the 2026 IPL auction. There's a feeling within the franchise that the great man would like to go on a high, after taking his beloved side to the IPL crown for one more time.

Before the 2025 mega auction, the IPL brought back a rule that allowed the franchises to register players who retired from international cricket for five years or more as uncapped players. Accordingly, CSK retained Dhoni for Rs 4 crore. Even the BCCI apparently wanted the former India captain to continue.