MS Dhoni IPL 2026: The future of MS Dhoni in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a hot topic of discussion, especially after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered a dismal IPL 2025 season. However, former CSK star Suresh Raina has now dropped a major update, hinting that Dhoni might continue playing in IPL 2026—much to the delight of fans worldwide.
CSK’s Struggles in IPL 2025: A Season to Forget
CSK, one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, had a disastrous IPL 2025 campaign, winning only two out of nine matches and languishing at the bottom of the points table. Injuries, poor auction strategy, and lackluster performances from key players contributed to their downfall.
- Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury forced Dhoni to take back captaincy mid-season.
- Auction failures led to a weak squad, with Raina revealing that Dhoni wasn’t heavily involved in player selections.
- Home losses at Chepauk, including defeats against teams like RCB and SRH, shocked fans.
Suresh Raina’s Big Revelation: Dhoni to Play IPL 2026?
In a candid conversation with sports presenter Jatin Sapru, Raina confirmed that Dhoni is likely to return for another season:
“I hope that next season, they (CSK) come with better planning. And Dhoni is going to play for one more season, for sure.”
Key Takeaways from Raina’s Statement:
- Dhoni’s Commitment – Despite being 43, Dhoni remains dedicated, still keeping wickets and captaining the side.
- Auction Strategy Blunder – Raina suggested that CSK’s core management (not Dhoni) mishandled the auction, leading to a weak squad.
- Team Accountability – Raina criticized high-paid players for not stepping up, putting extra pressure on Dhoni.
Will Dhoni Continue as Captain in IPL 2026?
While Raina’s comments suggest Dhoni will play, his captaincy role remains uncertain:
- Ruturaj Gaikwad was initially groomed as successor but got injured.
- If Dhoni stays, he may mentor the next captain while playing as a finisher.
- CSK might undergo a major squad revamp before IPL 2026.
Fan Reactions & Social Media Buzz
As soon as Raina’s statement went viral, #Dhoni2026 trended on social media. Fans expressed excitement, hoping for one last magical season from the legendary cricketer.
Final Verdict: Will Thala Return?
While no official confirmation has come from Dhoni or CSK, Raina’s words carry weight given his close bond with the former skipper. If Dhoni does return, IPL 2026 could be his farewell season, giving fans a chance to witness his genius one last time.
