MS Dhoni will play IPL 2027. Here’s the reason

Former Indian cricketer and Chennai Super Kings' "Chinna Thala," Suresh Raina, has indicated that MS Dhoni's IPL career is not over yet and that he might take the field one last time in IPL 2027. Last night, the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai hosted its final match of IPL 2026, where MS Dhoni was also present. However, Dhoni did not feature in the Playing XI, which left fans disappointed. The Chennai Super Kings suffered their seventh defeat of the season in this match; consequently, the team's chances of reaching the playoffs are now out of their hands and will depend on the results of other matches.

Following CSK’s 5-wicket loss against SRH, ‘Chinna Thala’ Raina met ‘Thala’ Dhoni during the team’s lap of honour, where the players thanked fans for their support throughout the season. Speaking about the interaction, Raina stated that he had a conversation with his Mahi bhai, who admitted that he had been struggling with fitness issues but did not completely rule out the possibility of returning for another IPL season.

Encouraging Dhoni, Raina stated that he should continue playing and make a comeback for another season—especially given that he missed 13 matches this season.

“I told him ‘you have given IPL 2026 a missed call. It won’t count. You have to come back next year’. He said ‘nahi yaar, body thoda waisa hai (my body is a little weak)’. I said ‘we are not believing anything. You have to play next year’. It’s his personal call. I think he is positive. The team is also gelling well again,” Raina told Star Sports.

“Fans also want you to come. He said ‘let me see’. If he says let me see, there’s a chance he will work hard, and play again,” Raina added.

Before the match, Dhoni stepped off the team bus for the first time this season, leading everyone to hope that he would definitely play against SRH and bring his illustrious IPL career to a close at Chepauk. However, fans were left heartbroken during the toss when Ruturaj Gaikwad revealed that Dhoni was still not fully fit to play in this match; although, he did mention that he hopes MS might be able to play in the next game. Due to a calf injury, Dhoni has been unable to play a single match this season, and the wait for his return continues.

In an old interview, MS Dhoni had stated that he wished to play the final match of his IPL career at Chepauk; however, having not played a single match this season, some fans' hopes have now been rekindled that Dhoni might play one more IPL season.

CSK’s IPL 2026 playoffs qualification scenario

Following the loss against SRH, CSK have lost their direct qualification hopes. At the same time, the Gujarat Titans and the Sunrisers Hyderabad have also advanced to the playoffs. Now, only 1 spot and 5 contenders remain. To secure the 4th spot, CSK not only need to win their last game against Gujarat Titans, but they will also hope that the results of other teams' matches go in their favour.

• CSK beat GT
• RR lost both their remaining fixtures against LSG and MI
• LSG beat PBKS
• KKR beat DC, but lost to MI