MS Dhoni is the name that Indian cricket fans love to see on the cricket field. This is the man whom fans don’t want to retire but guys destiny has their own plans. MS Dhoni still part of CSK team but sooner or later he will say good bye to IPL and the reason is quite clear – the age and injury factor!
This is true that many fans only watch IPL or CSK for MS Dhoni. From past 2 seasons of IPL (2024, 2025), it is a proven fact that this player in yellow jersey is like a brand who attracts fans to the stadium. This is the man still many people interested in IPL and watch CSK match on TV. Even CSK owners confirmed in news that if Thala is there they can make more money and because of Thala we, you still watch every match of CSK.
At present, MS Dhoni is part of CSK team. He retained by the franchises as an uncapped player in around 4 crore, but due to injury is not yet ready to take the field. Many fans questioning on social media will Thala make a comeback or could the 2026 IPL season turn out to be Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s last?
What Has Happened to MS Dhoni?
According to official reports that given by CSK franchises on social media, the 44-year-old Dhoni sustained a calf strain during pre-season training ahead of the 2026 IPL. This means, MS Dhoni is not yet fit to play initial few matches of IPL26. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan stated, “MS is undergoing rehab, and it will take some time. We cannot specify exactly how long it will take.” It has been also mentioned that the injury is minor but because his age is 44, this minor might take some time to heal!
Apart from that many cricket experts also confirmed that the few matches count can be upto 6 or 7… means Dhoni will remain unavailable for half of the season and this gives a clear signal that this might be the last season for MS Dhoni.
When Will Dhoni Return? (Hopes Rest on a Fitness Test)
Well, regarding the comeback there is no clear update from CSK side. Even there is no news from insiders when MS Dhoni will be available to play. If believed on early reports then MS Dhoni will make comeback soon after 7th or 8th match. In short, Dhoni will be available for only 7 matches out of 14.
Could This Be His Final Year?
The million-dollar question: even if Dhoni returns fully fit this season, will he play in 2027?
MS Dhoni comeback in IPL 2026 is sure but Retirement is also sure. The reasons are – quick injuries, out of form, age factor, long time in healing, and batting order at 8th, 9th. This means that his body may no longer be cooperating as it once did. Even if he desires to play next season of IPL, experts are pretty sure he won’t play all matches and retire after playing 1 or 2 games.
Here’s Dhoni last 3 seasons’ records… the average looks fine but the reality is bit different. Look at the total runs he scored in each season of IPL from 2023 to 2025. For such a big player the total runs should be around 400-450 per season. But the past seasons tell a different story.. and it is MS Dhoni performance now declined and in IPL 2026 it would be even worst…!
| Season | Matches | Runs | High Score | Average | Strike Rate | 4s / 6s |
| 2025 | 14 | 196 | 30 | 24.5 | 135.17 | 12 / 12 |
| 2024 | 14 | 161 | 37* | 53.67 | 220.55 | 14 / 13 |
| 2023 | 16 | 104 | 32* | 26 | 182.46 | 3 / 10 |
Fans should mentally prepare themselves—this could very well be his final IPL season. Furthermore, the CSK management is keen to avoid taking any unnecessary risks by rushing him back into action prematurely. It remains to be seen when ‘Thala’ clears his fitness test—whether he takes the crease to execute the “Helicopter” shot one last time, or if he stands on the threshold of yet another season. For now, let us simply hope that his injury heals quickly.
What is your take on MS Dhoni IPL Retirement? Will he retire or play the next season? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments and don’t forget to share it with others!
