World Cup-winning Indian captain MS Dhoni, who will turn 44 in a couple of months, is still going strong in the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a player for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Despite the team’s disappointing exit from the 2025 season, Dhoni’s IPL journey might not be over just yet.
Having started the season as an uncapped player, Dhoni returned to the captaincy mid-season after Ruturaj Gaikwad was sidelined due to an elbow injury. However, his return couldn’t lift CSK’s fortunes, as the franchise became the first team to be eliminated from the playoffs race.
Despite this setback, a report by Times of India on May 17 reveals that franchise insiders believe Dhoni is not done with IPL. There has been no indication from the legendary wicketkeeper-batter that this will be his last season.
After a recent match against KKR, Dhoni had stated that he still had “6-8 months” to make a decision about his future. This ambiguity, combined with the team’s current transitional phase, has strengthened the belief within CSK’s management that Dhoni’s presence in IPL 2026 will be vital.
With a young core still finding its footing, Dhoni continues to be seen as a critical figure — not just as a wicketkeeper and lower-order finisher, but also as a mentor to the next generation. His guidance, experience, and calm presence on and off the field are considered invaluable during this rebuilding phase.
Moreover, Dhoni’s fitness has reportedly been better this season compared to the last couple of years, which could influence his decision to stay on.
That said, the report also suggests that Dhoni may no longer continue as captain in IPL 2026. The leadership role is likely to return to Ruturaj Gaikwad once he recovers fully. Despite a rough start under his captaincy, CSK management is expected to back the young opener, acknowledging that it’s too soon to assess his leadership on limited evidence.
While the 2025 season didn’t unfold as CSK fans had hoped, Dhoni’s likely presence in the next season offers a silver lining and a sense of continuity as the team looks to rebuild for the future.
