Mrs. Dhoni’s departure from the international cricket 15. August 2020 identified the end of the era in the Indian cricket – but the burning question still persists: when does the unrestrained captain call it? At the age of 43, Dhoni remains a heart rhythm of Chennai Super Kings in IPL, and in 2023 he directs them to a record fifth title with the same ice calm and a tactical genius that defined his career.
Could the season 2026 be a big farewell – or will its stunning fitness, steel nerves and infallible sense of match will move the boundaries of longevity even further? With 350 ODI, 90 tests, 98 T20i, more than 17,000 international runs and three ICC trophies, its place in the Indian cricket history is inviolable.
Yet every IPL summer, its magnetic presence attracts millions to their screens and wants to stay it for one more year. When Dhoni finally leaves all crickets, will sport in India ever see others like him – or is it really of its kind?
MS Dhoni keeps fans on the feet
In IPL, speculation about retirement – especially MS Dhoni – will never stop. But it’s his quick joke that often steals the show. At LSG vs CSK in 2023, the commentator Danny Morrison asked, “How do you like last season?”
Dhoni randomly answered“You decided to be my last one,” he laughed fans and reporters.
Later this season, when he asked for a return next year, he dodged with a smile: “There is a lot of time when the coach will be under pressure if I say something,” he added that he did not want others to sweat. After qualifying 1 in 2023 he maintained tension alive: “I have eight months to decide why the headache right now?”
In August 2025, at a fan event, The petitioner urged him to play in IPL 2026. Dhoni’s answer? “Who will take care of pain in my knees?” – Another funny answer that left the door open. Whether it is throwing, chat after a match or meeting fans, his humor, timing and secrets make sure all his eyes are on him.
Dhoni’s fitness is the main problem
In the last periods of IPL, Dhoni’s fitness has become more and more formed by its role in Super Kings. After the knee surgery in 2023, head coach Stephen Fleming revealed Dhoni, now bats lower after the command – often in No. 7 or No. 8 – to avoid long, physically taxed shifts. This strategy preserves his body and at the same time allows him to supply explosive portraits. His skills of the goal, sharp reflexes and unbeatable awareness of the game remain essential for the success of CSK.
Dhoni confirmed that Ruturaj Gaikwad will lead CSK in IPL 2026Ensure a smooth leadership transition when it weighs its own future.
Meanwhile, rumors are connected by Captain Rajasthan Royals Sanju Samson at CSK. Samson, known for his aggressive batting and goals of the highest order and goal, reportedly drew interest from the franchise. Dhoni’s fitness was the reason for concern in the last few seasons (courtesy: PTI)
Speculation suggests that RR could demand the names of awnings as Ravindra Jadeja or Gaikwad in any swap, even though Ravi Ashwin has identified such a business unlikely. Samson himself expressed loyalty to the RR, but the hut adds intrigue off season.
Whether Dhoni plays in 2026 or not, his influence on the CSK strategy – and the IPL narration – corresponds to as strong as always.
Should Dhoni return to IPL 2026?
As IPL 2026 is approaching, the debate on Dhoni’s return is supported by sentiment and statistics. Dhoni, which will be almost 45 years old when the season begins, has already modified its Hru-Podal to No. 7 or lower in IPL 2024-25, on average around 33 with a strike around 164.
Its workload management reflects Imran Tahir, who still mixes four exceeding regularly in the T20 leagues at the age of 46, proving that longevity is possible with top condition. However, Dhoni’s surgery in 2023 and a reduced run between goals shows the physical tax of the format.
The last call will depend on the medical counseling and the reaction of his body in the off -season. If fit, his tactical brain and finishing could still lean games in favor of CSK; If not, retirement will retain an inheritance that can coincide in cricket.
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Published on:
August 15, 2025
