IPL 2026: ‘My body is a bit weak’ – MS Dhoni’s Suresh Raina comment sparks retirement fears

Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni (X) Uncertainty continues to grow over MS Dhoni’s IPL future, but former Chennai Super Kings star Suresh Raina believes the legendary skipper should return for another season. Speaking to Star Sports after CSK’s emotional home defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chepauk, Raina revealed a personal conversation he had with Dhoni regarding retirement speculation and the possibility of playing in IPL 2027. “I told him ‘you gave IPL 2026 a missed call. That won’t count. You have to come back next year’,” Raina said. “He said ‘my body is a bit weak’ – I said ‘we don’t believe in anything. Next year you have to play’. It’s his personal challenge. I think he’s positive. The team is also well prepared again.” Raina’s comments came on an emotional night at the MA Chidambaram Stadium where many fans feared they might have witnessed Dhoni’s last performance at Chepauk in CSK colours. Although Dhoni did not feature in the playing eleven due to fitness concerns, his presence nevertheless became the emotional center of the evening. During the innings break, the former CSK captain stepped out for a team photograph, which drew a massive reaction from the crowd. Later, after SRH sealed a five-wicket win and confirmed their IPL 2026 qualification for the playoffs, Dhoni joined CSK’s traditional round of awards around the country. There was no farewell speech or dramatic farewell. Instead, Dhoni walked slowly near the boundary rope and waved towards the fans who stayed back long after defeat was confirmed. The crowd responded with chants and applause that sounded more like gratitude than celebration. At 44, Dhoni’s fitness is increasingly part of the conversation about his future. The former India captain avoided giving a definitive answer when he retired, instead opting to leave the decision open at the end of each season. But this campaign has felt particularly shaky, especially with Dhoni managing his body carefully and missing matches. This uncertainty only heightened the emotional reactions of fans and former teammates alike. On the field, SRH booked their place in the play-offs thanks to a brilliant 70 from Ishan Kishan and a quickfire 47 from Heinrich Klaasen as they chased down 181 with an over to spare. Pat Cummins also played with the ball and claimed 3/28 to restrict CSK to 180/7.

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The result pushed Hyderabad into the IPL 2026 play-offs alongside Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans, while CSK’s hopes of qualification now depend on a win in the final league match and other results going in their favour. Yet even after the result, one question remained to dominate the night in Chepauk – whether the fans had just seen Dhoni in yellow for the last time.