MS Dhoni might not have played in IPL 2026, but for CSK: Fleming is still important

MS Dhoni may not have faced a single ball or donned the wicketkeeper’s gloves in the Indian Premier League 2026, but his influence from the kick-off has remained a staple of Chennai Super Kings’ transitional season.

Following CSK’s last home match at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Monday, head coach Stephen Fleming mounted a strong defense of Dhoni’s non-playing role. Despite intense speculation and fans’ disappointment at the 44-year-old missing his potential final domestic game, Fleming stressed the former captain’s off-field presence is vital to the side’s rotation.

“There was a lot of World Cup this year, which was really important for the team, for a lot of young players and for continuity,” Fleming said in the post-match press conference.

“So he was a big part of it. He didn’t play, but he still had a big impact on the team.”

Also read: 5 Teams, 1 Place: IPL 2026 Playoffs Race Explained

Responding to the inevitable scrutiny that Dhoni took a place in the team without taking the field, Fleming admitted that professional sport offers no cover.

“We’ve done a lot of good things. We’ve introduced some new players who will hopefully be generational players for CSK. But I know we’re judged by results and that’s fair. So yes, that’s the management’s call, not mine.”

When pressed on whether Dhoni ever fought to play this season, Fleming clarified: “No, he worked on this season. There were a lot of changes, so at least this year he was there all the time. Last year he wasn’t there at all, so it would be unfair to judge.”

MISSED CALL IN IPL 2026

While the management remains tight-lipped about the future, the former CSK stalwart Suresh Raina is already launching a public campaign lure the talismanic finisher back for the 2027 season.

After Dhoni attended CSK’s traditional lap of honor on Monday night to thank the Chepauk faithful, Raina revealed a candid exchange between the two long-time teammates.

“I told him you have given IPL 2026 a missed call. That will not count. You have to come back next year,” Raina said.

According to Raina, Dhoni’s initial reaction was cautious, citing the physical toll of elite cricket. “He said, ‘Nahi yaar, body thoda waisa hai’ (No man, the body is a bit similar). I said we don’t believe in anything. You have to play next year.”

Raina remains optimistic that the door on Dhoni’s playing career is not completely closed, suggesting that the veteran’s ambiguity may actually indicate an eventual comeback.

“It’s his personal challenge. I think he’s positive. The team is also gelling well again,” Raina added. “The fans want him to come too. He said, ‘Show.’ If he says let me take a look, there’s a chance he’ll work hard and play again.”

ČSK, who failed to defend 180 against SRH, are in sixth place with 12 points from 13 matches. They will need other results to go their way and need to beat Gujarat Titans on Thursday, May 21 in Ahmedabad to keep their mathematical chances of making the playoffs alive.

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Issued by:

Akshay Ramesh

Published on:

19 May 2026 10:50 AM IST