MS Dhoni’s absence from IPL 2026 could make this the first season in which he misses the entire campaign through fitness problems. Reports suggest, however, that Chennai Super Kings still hope he will come back for one last farewell match at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in 2027 before ending his career officially.
A near return at Chepauk
CSK had reportedly weighed up playing Dhoni in their final home game of the season, against Sunrisers Hyderabad on 18 May. He was judged not fully match-fit, and the five-time champions went on to lose a heartbreaking contest in the final over.
Raina’s conversation
Retirement speculation grew after former India and CSK team-mate Suresh Raina described his talk with Dhoni following the match. Raina said he encouraged the 44-year-old to return next season. Dhoni replied that his body felt a little weak.
Still undecided
Many people believe IPL 2026 might mark the end of Dhoni’s IPL journey, yet hopes of a grand send-off at Chepauk in 2027 have not gone away. As ever with Dhoni, nothing is settled until he makes the call himself.
