MS Dhoni has been the backbone of Chennai Super Kings ever since the inaugural edition of the IPL. Year after year, he led the team with calmness in tense moments. CSK lifted the IPL trophy five times in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023 under his captaincy.
Besides that, CSK also claimed the Champions League T20 title twice, in 2010 and 2014. Captain Cool created a culture of belief, discipline, and togetherness that turned CSK into one of the giants in the game.
Now MS Dhoni is 44 years old. He retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020. Since then, every year there have been questions about his future in the IPL. Fans keep wondering if he will play another season. Former players and experts also join in the debate. But Dhoni never rushes his decisions. He always takes his time.
He has not yet confirmed if he will play in IPL 2026. Recently, he said, “I have some time until December, so I’ll take another couple of months, and then I can make my decision.” This means he is keeping his options open. He is in no hurry.
MS Dhoni gives a hilarious response to a fan’s request to play IPL 2026
At a recent private event, a funny moment brought smiles to everyone. Interestingly, one of the fans stood up and requested Captain Cool to play in the 2026 season. MS Dhoni heard the question and replied in the best way possible. MS Dhoni replied with a smile, “Who will take care of the pain in my knees?” The crowd burst into laughter, and the video clip of the same went viral.
Fans shouting u have to play sir
MS Dhoni : Who will take care of knee pain and smile 😃 pic.twitter.com/v1Msz9yval
— Yash MSdian ™️ 🦁 (@itzyash07) August 10, 2025
This lighthearted reply also revealed the challenge he has been facing. Dhoni’s knee troubles have been in the news since IPL 2023. That year, he played through pain but still guided CSK to their fifth IPL title. Soon after the final, he had knee surgery in Mumbai. Since then, his movements on the field have been slower. The experienced campaigner often comes in to bat late in the innings to reduce running between the wickets.
In IPL 2025, CSK started the season with Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain. Unfortunately, Gaikwad got injured mid-season. As a result, Dhoni returned to his old avatar as a captain. Fans were excited to see him lead again. However, the season did not go well at all. The team struggled in almost every department. The batters lacked killer instinct, and the bowlers failed to bring the best out of themselves in crunch moments.
CSK managed to win only four matches out of 14. They lost the remaining 10. It was a shocking result for a team known for making the playoffs almost every year. This was one of CSK’s worst seasons in history, and they finished at the bottom of the points table.
The veteran cricketer also said Gaikwad could lead the team again in the future. This goes to show that Dhoni is thinking about the long-term success of the franchise, even if he decides to step away.
Also Read: Captain Cool MS Dhoni Finally Breaks Silence On His Future With CSK
CSK fans can’t even imagine the team without Dhoni. For over a decade, he has been the heart and soul of the franchise. The way he connects with the crowd makes him more than just a captain. Every season, no matter how many rumours there are about his retirement, the hope is always the same: just one more year.
Will MS Dhoni play in IPL 2026?
Whether he plays in 2026 will come down to his fitness, especially the condition of his knees. If he decides to go again, it will give CSK a chance to bounce back from the pain of the 2025 season. If he chooses to step away, nothing will change what he has already given five IPL trophies, two Champions League titles, and countless moments that will live forever in the hearts of fans.
For now, fans will wait for December. Until then, the hope remains that Dhoni will decide the knees can wait, and the yellow jersey will have one more season with its greatest leader.
