'Ghutne me jo dard hota hai...': MS Dhoni quickly quips after fan shouts 'you have to play IPL 2026' - WATCH

MS Dhoni's knee issue is not unknown to fans (BCCI Photo)

MS Dhoni has so far kept his participation in IPL 2026 a mystery as he often dodges the question with witty responses. All we know so far is Dhoni has some time to decide on his IPL future but one thing he is certain of that even if he's not playing the veteran wicketkeeper-batter will be seen in the CSK dugout in some capacity or the other.

Recently speaking at a promotional event, Dhoni was asked about the same, to which he responded: “I don't know whether I'll play or not. I have time to decide. I have some time until December, so I'll take another couple of months, and then finally, I can make my decision.”

It was then a fan seated among the crowd shouted: "Khelna padega sir (You have to play sir)" and Dhoni was quick to highlight the prolong knee issue he has been dealing with. Dhoni quipped: “Arre, ghutne me jo dard hota hai uska take care kaun karega (The pain I have in my knees, who will take care of that)?”

Fans shouting u have to play sir

MS Dhoni : Who will take care of knee pain and smile pic.twitter.com/v1Msz9yval

— Yash MSdian (@itzyash07) August 10, 2025

The knee issue is not unknown to fans and right after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won IPL 2023 after beating Gujarat Titans (GT) in the final, the former skipper underwent a knee surgery in Mumbai.

In the previous two editions, during which CSK didn't qualify for the playoffs, Dhoni was seen coming lower down the order than his usual batting position, raising questions about his fitness.

Meanwhile, Sanju Samson has been heavily linked with the five-time champions, who like Dhoni is a wicketkeeper-batter and comes with solid experience. He will certainly be a valuable addition to the side, both in terms of batting and a long-term answer for Dhoni, who's future at the moment appears dicey.