Talks about MS Dhoni’s retirement from the IPL started as CSK won their last IPL title in 2023. That was the last time Dhoni led the side to an IPL title, which was the fifth of their campaign.
CSK finished fifth in IPL 2024, followed by them finishing last in IPL 2025. They won just four games and lost as many as 10 games in the previous campaign.
MS Dhoni took back the captaincy halfway through the season after Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out with an injury. The performance of the season did not get any better as the side kept on losing games.
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MS Dhoni To Play One More Season - Telecom Asia Sport
Meanwhile, rumours regarding MS Dhoni’s retirement from the IPL became heavier with every passing year since he announced his international retirement in August 2020. CSK won two titles in 2021 and 2023. Fans hoped that Dhoni would finally retire in 2023, but that did not happen. He played for the next two years and now there are rumours that he might retire at the end of IPL 2026.
As per a Telecom Asia Sport Report, MS Dhoni has confirmed his close sources that he wants to play in IPL 2026. However, a lot will depend on how his body shapes up by the time he gets close to the start of the season.
“He is going to play for one more year for sure before hanging his boots,” a source told Telecom Asia Sport.
After the end of IPL 2023, MS Dhoni underwent a knee surgery that has slowed him down considerably. His returns with the bat has diminished every season for CSK. He stressed that his knee pain will be the determining factor as to how long he plays in the league.
“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. Arre, ghutne me jo dard hota hai uska take care kaun karega,” Dhoni said at an event in Chennai.
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No Hurry - MS Dhoni On Playing IPL 2026
He further responded to the fans' query of whether they will be able to see him in IPL 2026.
“It depends. I have 4-5 months to decide; there’s no hurry. Need to keep the body fit. You have to be at your best. If cricketers start retiring for their performance, some of them will retire at 22. I will go back to Ranchi and enjoy a few back rides. I am not saying I am done, not saying I am coming back. I have the luxury of timing. Will think about it and then decide,” Dhoni had said in the same event.
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