‘Only MS will know but…’: CSK coach drops big hint on Dhoni’s IPL future

MS Dhoni with Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. (PTI photo) NEW DELHI: MS Dhoni’s future in the IPL remains one of the biggest topics in cricket and Chennai Super Kings bowling coach Eric Simons has now made it clear that only the legendary former skipper will decide for himself whether he will return next season.Speaking after CSK’s last league match against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, Simons revealed that the 44-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman is still hitting the ball in the nets brilliantly despite battling a leg injury that has ruled him out of IPL 2026 action. “Are you seriously asking me? We always ask,” Simons said when asked if CSK was hoping for Dhoni’s return next year.“He hit the ball so well. He obviously had a leg injury that made it very difficult for him to run and that’s why he couldn’t play,” he said.‘It’s as good as I’ve ever seen it’Even though Dhoni has not featured in a single match this season, Simons insisted that the veteran’s power stroke remains as sharp as ever.“But when it comes to hitting the ball into the net, he hits it as well as I’ve ever seen him,” said the former South African all-rounder.The comments are likely to excite CSK fans, many of whom remain hopeful that Dhoni has one last IPL season left in him after missing the entire 2026 campaign due to fitness concerns.However, Simons emphasized that Dhoni will only return if he truly feels capable of contributing fully to the team.“But I keep saying it, only the World Cup will know and the World Cup will make a decision about when he’s ready and when he’s right,” he added.“He won’t play if he feels he’s not ready”According to Simons, Dhoni’s decision will never be driven by emotions or personal milestones.“And I’ll tell you what, if he knows he’s not, he won’t play. But if he’s right, he will,” Simons said. “He will make decisions in the best interest of the team and not for himself as an individual.”Despite not playing this season, Dhoni remained closely involved with the team throughout the campaign and continued to lead the younger players in the CSK set-up.“But it’s going to be great to have him play. It’s been great to just have him around the unit and be someone you can tap into for knowledge and peace of mind,” Simons added.Dhoni’s absence was keenly felt during a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign for CSK, who crashed out of play-off contention after suffering their heaviest defeat in IPL history against Gujarat Titans.

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