Will MS Dhoni Play in IPL 2026? Ex CSK Player Weighs In

MS Dhoni is a name that still gives hope to millions of cricket fans. Following Chennai Super Kings' last league victory in IPL 2025 against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Sunday the big question was whether Dhoni would return for the IPL 2026 season. As always Dhoni did not give a clear answer and left everyone waiting for his next move. He said he has time to decide and will think about it before making an announcement.

Robin Uthappa who has played for India and with CSK spoke about Dhoni’s future. He said that the legend still has the hunger to play and win another title for CSK. According to Uthappa Dhoni still wants to be there on the field and wants to lift another trophy for his team. Uthappa shared this on JioStar and said that everything depends on Dhoni’s fitness and how he feels in the coming months. If his body does not allow him to play at the level he wants he might decide to retire before the mini-auction. But if he is fit and prepared fans will get him tweeting or uploading a picture on Instagram to confirm his comeback.

Words from Dhoni himself after the game provided an indication of what he thought. He stated that he has 4 to 5 months to make up his mind and that there was no rush. He expressed that he needs to return to Ranchi and take some bike rides and ponder over what to do next. Dhoni also said that if players retired solely on the basis of their performance most of them would retire by the age of 22. His statements reflected that he is still considering his future and has not shut the door yet. He does not want to let his body come in a wrong condition without making any decision.

In IPL 2025 Dhoni’s performance was not as explosive as the past seasons. He scored only 196 runs in 14 matches with an average of 24.50. His strike rate was 135.17 which was much lower than the 220.55 he had last season. Even though he did not score big runs Dhoni still played a key role in keeping the team motivated and leading them on the field.

It was a struggling year for CSK. For the first time in their existence they ended at the bottom of the points table. They lost four matches throughout the season. But that final match victory provided them with a bit of confidence boost. Now players and supporters hope that the team will carry that momentum and return stronger in IPL 2026.

Dhoni’s future has become a hot topic of discussion. Fans are eagerly waiting to see if their beloved captain will come back for another season. The 43 year old is known for his calm and wise decisions and everyone knows that he will take the right call when the time comes. Right now he wants to take it slow and think carefully before announcing anything.

For Dhoni, CSK is not a team but a family. He has been with the franchise since the beginning and has won the IPL title five times for them. His rapport with the crowd is special. Although his batting was not impressive this season people still supported him every time he came onto the field. That speaks volumes about how much they care for him.

If Dhoni returns in IPL 2026 fans will be delighted to watch him again in the yellow jersey. But if he concludes that it is the right time to retire they will also appreciate his decision and thank him for the great memories. Dhoni has always been a player who plays because he loves the game and not for the figures on the scoreboard.

The coming months will be important for Dhoni. He will take this time to rest regain and consider what he is going to do next. Whether he comes back or not, he has already contributed so much to cricket and to CSK. His name will forever be associated with the success of the team.

All we can do for the moment is wait and observe. All fans can do is hope that the spark within Dhoni remains burning bright and he makes a comeback for one last ride in IPL 2026. If that is the case it will be a blockbuster moment for cricket fans all around the world. If not, however, then fans will have his memories to cherish and the numerous moments of happiness he provided on the field.

As Robin Uthappa put it, everything hinges upon the health of Dhoni and how he himself feels. That is what will determine his decision. Dhoni understands his body and what is required to play on the top level. He has nothing left to prove but he may still wish to play for the love of the game.

Dhoni’s fans will be keeping a close eye on any news in the coming months. His Instagram and Twitter posts will be watched closely because everyone wants to know what the legend is planning. Until then the fans will remember his words that he is not saying he is done and not saying he is coming back either.

No matter what he decides MS Dhoni’s name will always be written in gold in the history of IPL and Indian cricket. He has already done enough to be called a legend and the respect he has earned will never fade. If it is going to be the last time in 2026 that we get to watch him play it will be a time for celebration of all that he has achieved and the happiness he has brought to his fans. And if he does make a return there will be an opportunity for the fans to once again cheer their Thala.