All you need to know about MS Dhoni IPL retirement
With a crushing 90-run defeat against the Gujarat Titans, the five-time IPL champions, Chennai Super Kings, became the third team to be eliminated from the race for the IPL 2026 playoffs. Consequently, this marks the third consecutive year that CSK has failed to qualify for the playoffs. However, what pains CSK fans even more than the elimination itself is the fact that MS Dhoni did not play a single match throughout the entire season, leaving their dream of watching him bat on the field unfulfilled. Dhoni was finally spotted with the squad for the first time during their final home match of the league stage; however, due to a thumb injury, he did not play in that match either.
Nevertheless, Dhoni did take photographs with the squad during the mid-innings break and also expressed his gratitude to the fans after the match concluded. This marks the first instance in IPL history where Dhoni has not played a single match in a season, leading to speculation that he has—allegedly—announced his retirement, a decision that now merely awaits official confirmation. However, according to some reports, Dhoni might take the field once again in the upcoming season.
When CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was asked after the match about the possibility of MS Dhoni playing next season, he stated that he, too, is currently seeking the answer to that very question. He added that, at this moment, he cannot offer any comments on the subject. He explicitly stated that Dhoni's future with CSK remains uncertain, and the answer to this query will only become clear next year.
“Obviously you will get to know it next year itself. Even I’ll get to know it next year itself,” Gaikwad said.
Ruturaj Gaikwad acknowledged that Dhoni's absence from the playing XI this season has undoubtedly had an impact on the team. Although he has turned 45, he continues to instil fear in opposition teams—particularly during the final overs, a phase of the game where he is renowned for his ability to smash boundaries and sixes.
“Obviously, it’s a hard, hard miss for us definitely. He’s someone who can have a fear in the opposition, especially coming in those late overs. Can really change the game, can really change the momentum just by staying at the crease,” he added.
The Chennai Super Kings failed to finish well in several matches this season, a shortcoming that led to them suffering defeats in games they otherwise seemed poised to win. Had the outcomes of those matches gone in CSK's favour, the team might well have secured a spot in the playoffs. While Gaikwad certainly acknowledged Dhoni's absence as a disappointment, he also noted—with evident satisfaction—the arrival of several talented new players within the squad.
“So, he’s someone, definitely we missed a lot this season. But, I mean, we never know about next season. But obviously really happy with the guys we had and really happy with the experience they got this year,” Gaikwad concluded.
