Fan requests MS Dhoni to play IPL 2026, Captain Cool replies with a witty comeback
The next edition of the Indian Premier League is still months away in the calendar. But the chatter around the IPL runs year-round. While the current buzz around the tournament is the trade deals of significant names like Sanju Samson and Ravi Ashwin, the most discussed prospect is still MS Dhoni. The pattern to predict Dhoni's availability for the next season has become a norm lately. Keeping the tradition alive, the former CSK captain was recently asked whether he would return for IPL 2026. The beloved 'Thala' of Chennai fans replied in his quintessential cool manner, deflecting the question with a witty remark.
"Who will take care of the pain in my knees?" Dhoni asks a fan requesting to play IPL 2026
As CSK ended IPL 2025 at the bottom of the points table, Dhoni was, for the nth time, asked whether he would return the next season. The captain has time and again talked about deciding his future in the tournament on the basis of his fitness. For the past few seasons, Dhoni has been struggling with a knee injury. After Chennai Super Kings won their fifth title at IPL 2023, the captain underwent surgery to address his knee issue. The next season, Dhoni handed the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad, returning to the team as the designated wicketkeeper and demoting himself in the batting order.
This season as well, Dhoni iterated the same, putting the condition of his arrival in IPL 2026 on his fitness. Now, the former World Cup-winning Indian captain appeared at an event where he addressed questions about his future. Dhoni remarked that he still has ample time to make a decision about participating in IPL 2026. However, a fan quickly chirped in, stating in clear words that he has to play the next IPL season as well.
“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,” said Dhoni.
“You have to play, sir," the fan chimed in.
The captain cool then mentioned his knee issue as he joked about the possibility of his return. Dhoni highlighted the toll that the games take on his knee as he queried who will take care of his aching knees.
“Arre, ghutne me jo dard hota hai uska take care kaun karega (The pain I have in my knees, who will take care of that)?," Dhoni said.
In a separate event recently, MS Dhoni opened up about his bond with Chennai Super Kings. While the former skipper remained unsure about his future as a player, Dhoni assured his commitment to CSK for at least the next 10-15 years. At 43, Dhoni was the oldest player in IPL 2025. It remains to be seen whether his knee allows Dhoni to take on IPL 2026 at 44.
