MS Dhoni may play IPL 2027 after missed call in 2026, suggests Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina hinted that MS Dhoni’s IPL journey may not be over yet. With Chennai Super Kings playing their last home match of IPL 2026 on Monday, May 18 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, speculations have been rife that the game could mark Dhoni’s farewell appearance in the tournament. For now, though, it seems the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman could have another season in him.

After CSK’s five-wicket defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chepauk, Raina met Dhoni during the team’s lap of honour, where the players thanked the fans for their support throughout the season.

Speaking about the interaction, Raina revealed that he had a conversation with Dhoni, who admitted that he was facing fitness issues but did not completely rule out a return for the next IPL season.

CSK vs SRH: MAIN | SCORECARD

Raina also said that he encouraged Dhoni to continue playing and return for the next edition, especially as the former CSK skipper has missed all 13 matches of IPL 2026 so far.

“I told him ‘you gave IPL 2026 a missed call. That won’t count. You have to come back next year’. He said ‘nahi yaar, body thoda waisa hai (my body is a bit weak)’. I said ‘we don’t believe anything. You have to play next year’. It’s his personal call. The old team said again, Sports. I think he’s positive too.

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

HOW MS DHONI CAUGHT THE LIMELIGHT

Ahead of the match against Sunrisers, fans were hopeful of seeing Dhoni back on the field as he got off the team bus in Chepauk. Dhoni has largely avoided traveling with the team to match venues this season, believing his presence could overshadow the team due to the immense attention he naturally attracts, with cameras constantly following him and crowds erupting every time he appears.

During the toss, Ravi Shastri specifically asked captain Ruturaj Gaikwad for an update on Dhoni’s availability. However, Gaikwad confirmed that Dhoni was not fit enough to take part in the match.

However, during the inter-innings break, Dhoni entered the field for a team photo and drew loud cheers from the crowd. After the match, he returned to the ground one more time during the ČSK honor round.

Dhoni waved to Chepauk, hopefully just goodbye for the season. The 44-year-old also spent time with the ground staff, posing for pictures and even taking selfies with photographers around the stadium.

Dhoni has been struggling with a calf injury that has kept him out for the entire season so far, much to the disappointment of CSK fans who continue to wait impatiently for their iconic captain’s next appearance.

As for the Super Kings, they made life difficult after losing to SRH. The five-time champions no longer have their fate in their hands. Not only do they have to beat Gujarat Titans in their last league match but also hope that other results go in their favor for a place in the playoffs.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

May 19, 2026 01:14 IST