IPL 2026: ‘No one misses MS Dhoni’ – Former India skipper blasts CSK management

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming, left, with MS Dhoni (PTI Photo) Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has come down heavily on the Chennai Super Kings management for handling MS Dhoni’s fitness during IPL 2026 and accused the franchise of deceiving fans throughout the season. Taking to his YouTube channel after CSK’s crushing defeat by Gujarat Titans by 89 runs, Srikkanth said that the constant uncertainty surrounding Dhoni’s availability was creating false hopes among fans. The former head coach took aim at captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, head coach Stephen Fleming and the support staff for repeatedly suggesting the veteran goalkeeper could make an early return despite missing the entire campaign. “Before the start of the season, they said he has a leg injury and they hope to have him soon,” Srikkanth said. “Fleming also sang the same song, Ruturaj Gaikwad also sang the same, ‘Maybe he is ready for the next game’. And then before the game, CSK will have a video of Dhoni training to show the fans that he is fit and could play.” Dhoni was initially ruled out due to a calf injury he sustained before the tournament. Although the injury was expected to keep him out for a short time, reports later mentioned a thigh strain and eventually there were suggestions that he was being rested due to concerns about the balance of the squad. Despite the uncertainty, CSK never officially confirmed that Dhoni will miss the entire season. The experienced batsman also did not travel with the team for away matches and was only seen during ČSK’s last home match in Chepauk, where he took part in the usual lap of honour. Even then there was speculation about a comeback. Ironically, after CSK’s last league match, Gaikwad fueled further speculation when he answered a question from broadcaster Graeme Swann about Dhoni’s future by saying, “You’ll find out next year.” Srikkanth believes that the franchise should have been transparent with the supporters from the beginning rather than leaving the fans guessing throughout the campaign. “Then they said, ‘no, no. He is still recovering from the injury’. And then they said he injured his thigh,” Srikkanth said. “Stop the deception. You should make it clear. If he doesn’t play the whole season, it’s only fair. The fans would be mentally prepared if you made it clear.” The former opener added that the management kept building expectations on a game-by-game basis instead of openly addressing Dhoni’s status. “If you ask them game by game, Ruturaj will say ‘the big man will be available for the next game’. He kept repeating it. There the management, the captain and Stephen Fleming should have said straight up, ‘He is not playing this season, he is not fully fit’. The fans would agree and move on,” he added. Srikkanth also said that CSK supporters are ready for life after Dhoni and no longer expect the franchise icon to continue indefinitely. “If you look at it honestly, nobody misses Dhoni. Nobody wants Dhoni in matches. I think people ask why he is not in the dressing room, but how many people ask that he is not playing? The Dhoni era is over. Dhoni is one of the greatest cricketers the IPL has produced and one of the greatest captains. You should have made it clear. Why are you lying.” CSK’s disappointing season ended with the franchise being knocked out in the playoffs for the third consecutive year. The five-time champions finished with just 12 points from 14 matches and are set to remain in the bottom four of the table.