IPL 2026: Since MS Dhoni’s retirement from international cricket in 2020, his future in the Indian Premier League (IPL) remained a suspense before the start of every season.
Although experts believed that the former Indian captain should draw curtains on his illustrious IPL career, several fans still hope for him to continue playing for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise for a few more seasons.
A recent video went viral on social media where a fan requested Dhoni to play one more season for CSK in the IPL. However, Dhoni’s hilarious response cited his knee injury that left everyone in a state of shock.
MSD’s Humorous Reply to Fan Request
Recently, MS Dhoni became the brand ambassador for Asian Footwears ‘Go Chase’ and attended the campaign. During the event, the wicketkeeper-batter was speaking on the stage, and while interacting with the host, he said:
“See! I am not sure if I can play or not. As I said earlier, there is a lot of time left to decide by December. So, I will have another couple of months before I can make any decisions,” Dhoni said.
Meanwhile, one of the fans from the crowd urged him to play IPL 2026. After the host repeated what the fan asked, the World Cup-winning captain gave a cheeky answer in Hindi that stunned the entire crowd present there:
“Arrreyy! Merey joh ghutnoh meinh dardh hainn esska meinh kyan karon aur care kaun karegaa?
(In English, it means ‘Hey! Who will take care of the pain that I have in my knees)”, Dhoni responded.
It is a fact that the CSK’s stalwart played with a knee injury throughout the IPL 2023 and led the team to glory. Following a surgery, he underwent rehab for a few months before returning to the practice sessions for the next season in 2024.
Is MS Dhoni Ready to Play IPL 2026?
So far, MS Dhoni hasn’t clarified his opinion about playing IPL 2026. He said that he would decide after assessing his knee injury and body condition for the next few months.
After leading CSK to the fifth IPL title in 2023, Dhoni underwent knee surgery in Mumbai. But, he still fulfilled his promise made to the fans by playing another two more IPL seasons (in 2024 and 2025).
For the last two seasons, the former CSK captain batted lower in the order due to his reduced running speed between the wickets. However, fans still got to witness his lightning speed stumpings and stunning catches behind the stumps.
Will Sanju Samson Replace MS Dhoni in IPL 2026: Rumors or Reality?
Meanwhile, there were reports that Sanju Samson has decided to part ways with the Rajasthan Royals franchise before the upcoming IPL season.
Also, CSK are keen on securing the services of the wicketkeeper-batter. If such happens, there is a possibility that Samson might be appointed as the Super Kings captain, only if Dhoni steps down from his role, who is reaching the twilight of his career.
Recently, the former Indian cricketer and 1983 World Cup winner, Kris Srikkanth, too suggested that Samson can be a perfect replacement for Dhoni to ensure a smooth transition:
“Yeah! To speak the truth, Sanju Samson has been a brilliant cricketer who gained popularity in Chennai as well. Having a good brand image in South India, I would prefer him to be the first choice if he is willing to leave RR and join this team.
He can be a perfect replacement for Dhoni if he joins the franchise. Even though Dhoni can play the next season, he but not after that. Then, it becomes important to have a smooth transition. At the same time, Ruturaj Gaikwad, having been assigned the captaincy duties, should continue with his role,” Srikkanth voiced his opinion on his YouTube channel.
A Recap of Dhoni’s Statement Ahead of IPL 2025 Mega Auction
Recalling the statement given by MS Dhoni before the 2025 mega auction, he expressed that he wants to enjoy the last few years of cricket he wants to play:
“See! I just wish to enjoy playing cricket for the last few years I can. Similar to our childhood days, going to play at 04 pm, I want to enjoy as much as possible. Even though it becomes challenging to enjoy a professional sport due to the emotions and commitments, I would prefer enjoying the game for the next few years,” Dhoni said during an event in Goa.
So, recollecting the previous year’s comments still ignites hopes among fans that MSD can represent CSK as a player for another two to three years.
Ahead of the two-day bidding event, Dhoni was retained as an uncapped player for INR 4 crore. He had to once again become the CSK captain in IPL 2025 after Ruturaj Gaikwad suffered a fracture in his elbow.
Also Read: Suryakumar Yadav Set to Return for Asia Cup 2025: A Good Sign of Recovery!
Conclusion
Earlier, MS Dhoni confirmed Ruturaj Gaikwad’s comeback to lead the Super Kings in the next IPL season. Also, he clarified the franchise’s plans to sort out the drawbacks in the batting department during the mini auction this year.
Although Dhoni donning the CSK jersey again in 2026 remains uncertain, it becomes clear that the legendary captain continues to keep fans guessing and the debates alive about his participation ahead of each IPL season.
