Big Picture: Is MS Dhoni ready to return for IPL 2026?
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni has hinted that he will take his time before deciding whether to return for IPL 2026. After CSK’s final league game of IPL 2025, a dominating 83-run victory over Gujarat Titans, Dhoni shared that he plans to return home to Ranchi, enjoy some downtime, and then evaluate his future in the IPL.
“I have four to five months to decide, and there’s no hurry to make a call on IPL 2026,” Dhoni said, reflecting on the season’s end where CSK finished at the bottom of the table for the first time in 16 years.
At 44 years old, and with his birthday coming up in July, Dhoni acknowledged that staying fit for top-level cricket requires more effort with each passing year. However, he stressed that fitness, hunger for the game, and the team’s needs would play a key role in his decision.
“Every year, it’s 15% more effort to keep the body fit. It’s professional cricket, and you need to be at your best,” he said. “What’s important is how much hunger you have, your fitness, and whether the team needs you. I have enough time to think about it, so I will go back to Ranchi, enjoy a few bike rides, and then decide.”
CSK’s Final Match – A Positive End Despite Tough Season
CSK ended their IPL 2025 campaign on a high note, posting their best score of the season—238 runs—before dismissing Gujarat Titans (GT) for just 147. The bowling department delivered an excellent performance, with Anshul Kamboj and Noor Ahmad each claiming three wickets. Noor finished with an impressive 24 wickets for the season.
“It wasn’t the best season, but finishing on a positive note feels good,” Dhoni said. “This was one of the perfect performances across the board—from bowling and batting to fielding and catching. It’s something we’ve been missing throughout the season, and this game was a complete team effort.”
The Dhoni Factor: Leading CSK Through a Challenging Season
Despite a challenging season where CSK were eliminated from playoff contention, Dhoni’s leadership remained key. He took over the captaincy mid-season after Ruturaj Gaikwad was sidelined with an injury. While the team struggled to find consistency, they began focusing on younger talent, with Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Shaik Rasheed, and Urvil Patel showing potential.
“The batting department was a concern,” Dhoni said. “At the end of the day, we had to put runs on the board. But now, I’m more confident with how everyone is contributing. Once Ruturaj (Gaikwad) returns next season, we’ll have a squad ready where he just needs to fit in, without worrying about too many things.”
Looking Ahead: Dhoni’s Legacy and CSK’s Future
As CSK’s future captain Ruturaj Gaikwad returns next season, Dhoni is clear that the team is on the right path. His decision about returning for IPL 2026 will depend on several factors, but for now, CSK fans can continue to hope for one more season with their beloved captain.
